Why The Labour Code Bills Are Contentious
The government has claimed the Labour Code bills will help in bringing reforms to ensure easier compliance of labour standard, encourage investments and extension of social security benefits to more inter-state migrant workers.
Why are the bills contentious?
1)Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020
Eases lay-off norms: Allows companies with up to 300 workers to lay off people without the concerned state government's approval. So far only companies employing up to 100 people were allowed to do this.
Restrictions on workers going on strike: No industrial worker will be able to go on strike without a 60-day notice. So far such rules were applicable on only those involved in public utility services like water, electricity, natural gas, telephone and other essential services. They were required to give a six-week notice.
2)Code on Social Security Bill, 2020 extends social security funds to app-based workers more commonly employed by companies like Uber, Ola, Swiggy and Zomato
However, Labour unions claim that more is needed. These workers continue to remain in a legal grey zone. They are often treated as independent partners who don't find a place under most labour regulations, they say.
3)Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020
The legislation seeks to regulate health and working conditions in factories, mines and in docks. However, critics say the legislation is not universal in nature and workers of smaller units are not covered