Lucknow – The Trade Union Centre of India (TUCI) has called upon workers across the country to join the nationwide strike on May 20 in protest against the central government’s anti-labour and pro-corporate policies. The call was issued by TUCI Uttar Pradesh President Kailash, who accused the BJP-led NDA government of governing as per the ideological directives of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Kailash stated that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power for the second term in 2019, the government has enacted multiple regressive laws and implemented anti-people policies, undermining the constitutional values and federal structure of India.
Attack on Federalism and Civil Rights
Highlighting the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during Modi’s first term, TUCI argued that the GST severely curtailed the fiscal autonomy of state governments, effectively reducing them to municipal entities.
The government’s second term, Kailash said, has been marked by the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A—moves seen as attacks on secularism and designed to stoke Islamophobia and marginalize Muslims.
Kailash also reminded that RSS has historically rejected the Indian Constitution drafted under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, instead favoring Manusmriti. “They have consistently opposed the idea of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, as stated in the Preamble,” he added.
Privatization and Corporate Control
According to TUCI, the Modi government has aggressively pursued neoliberal policies initiated in 1991 under P.V. Narasimha Rao, especially privatizing public sector undertakings and transferring national assets into the hands of corporate tycoons like Ambani and Adani.
Among the most controversial moves were the now-repealed three farm laws, which triggered a year-long farmers’ protest. Despite repealing the laws under pressure, promises made to the farmers remain unfulfilled.
Labour Codes and Worker Rights Undermined
One of the biggest threats, TUCI warns, comes from the four new labour codes introduced in 2020 that replace 44 protective labour laws, effectively undoing gains secured over a century of workers’ struggles.
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The Wages Code (2019) threatens the right of states to set minimum wages and undermines equal pay and overtime benefits.
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The Industrial Relations Code (2020) restricts the right to strike and makes it easier for employers to lay off workers.
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The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020) excludes protections for workers in small establishments and contract jobs.
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The Social Security Code (2020) weakens ESI, PF, and gratuity provisions, and leaves out over 1 crore scheme workers under central government projects.
TUCI’s Key Demands
TUCI urged the working class and general public to unite and fight for the following core demands:
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Repeal the four anti-labour codes!
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Ensure a minimum daily wage of ₹1,000 and monthly wage of ₹31,000!
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Abolish the contract labour system!
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Implement an 8-hour standard working day!
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Oppose imperialist and neoliberal economic policies!
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Defeat the RSS-backed dream of a Hindu Rashtra!
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Resist communal, caste-based, and regional divisions among workers!
Kailash, President, TUCI Uttar Pradesh State Committee called upon all workers and democratic citizens to join the May 20 strike in solidarity, warning that remaining silent in the face of growing corporate and ideological oppression would mean surrendering the hard-earned rights of generations.
