Lucknow: The All India People’s Front (AIPF) has strongly condemned the reported arrest of around 400 workers during the ongoing labour protest in Noida and the police administration’s move to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against them, terming it “unfortunate and detrimental to democracy.”
In a statement, the AIPF national executive committee criticised what it described as “brutal repression” of workers, alleging that instead of engaging in dialogue, authorities were resorting to coercive measures. The organisation urged the government to abandon what it called “repressive policies” and address the root causes of labour unrest.
Criticism of Labour Policies
The AIPF alleged that policies favouring corporate interests have weakened the rights of the working class. It claimed that labour reforms, including the introduction of new labour codes, have diluted long-standing worker protections by increasing working hours, undermining minimum wage safeguards, and promoting fixed-term employment, thereby reducing job security.
According to the organisation, many workers are now facing precarious employment conditions, arbitrary layoffs, and lack of basic benefits such as weekly rest. It further highlighted that a large section of workers are forced to survive on low monthly wages, often below ₹10,000, amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
Call for Dialogue Over Suppression
The organisation stressed that the growing unrest among workers across the country reflects deep-rooted economic distress and inequality. It described the Noida labour protest as part of a broader national trend of workers raising their voices against deteriorating conditions.
AIPF maintained that instead of suppressing protests, the government should engage in meaningful dialogue and ensure democratic and peaceful resolution of workers’ issues. It also raised concerns over the weakening of trade unions and labour institutions, which it said are essential for protecting workers’ rights in a constitutional framework.
National Conference Planned
The organisation announced that it will raise the issue of what it termed “modern-day exploitation of labour” at a national conference scheduled to be held on April 24 at Rajendra Bhawan in Delhi. The conference will focus on key issues including foreign and trade policy, agriculture, energy, employment, and food security, with an aim to build broader unity among democratic forces.
Reiterating its stance, AIPF called for an immediate halt to the use of stringent laws against workers and emphasised the need to uphold democratic values and constitutional rights.
