BRS leaders rally against anti-labour codes at round table meet

At a round table in Hyderabad, BRS leaders and union representatives strongly criticised the Centre’s four labour codes, branding them anti-worker and a threat to job security. Speakers accused both BJP and Congress of eroding workers’ rights and urged mass protests similar to the farmers’ movement.

Hyderabad: The four labour codes introduced by the Centre came in for strong criticism with BRS leaders labelling them as anti-worker and detrimental to job security. Speakers at a round table meeting organised on Saturday to build awareness and mobilise opposition, called for united protests on the lines of the farmers’ movement that forced a rollback of agricultural laws.

Former Employee Unions JAC Chairman G. Devi Prasad criticized both Congress and BJP for their anti-labour stance. “BJP is stripping workers’ rights, while Congress is erasing workers altogether,” he said, urging joint campaigns.

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He emphasised that BRS remains the sole opposition in the State and Center and warned of an impending law that could curtail pensioners’ entitlements. “We must educate the public and fight until victory, just like the farmers did,” Prasad added.

Former MLA Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar described the codes as ‘vicious’, highlighting their potential to deny leave even for health reasons and erode job security. He advocated for district-level meetings and legal battles to halt implementation.

Former MP B. Vinod Kumar noted that Parliament had already approved the codes, consolidating 29 laws into four. He accused the Telangana government of hastily framing rules despite other states’ reluctance. Praising BRS and the former Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekhar Rao, Kumar said, under the BRS rule, workers were shielded from flawed laws of the Centre. He called for movements to force a withdrawal, as with farm laws.

Former Minister V. Srinivas Goud said the codes favour big industrialists like Adani, who are quietly taking over industries. He highlighted uniform anti-labor policies by central and state governments, suggesting a call centre at Telangana Bhavan for worker grievances. Chandrashekhar Rao had protected workers by all means, Goud remarked.

Former Minister C. Malla Reddy termed the codes “terrifying,” urging nationwide protests, including a dharna at Jantar Mantar. Criticising shortages in ESI hospitals and potential shutdowns, he questioned Revanth Reddy’s priorities: “Why suggest 20% of cinema ticket hikes for workers but not 30% of industrial profits?” Reddy pledged Rs 10 lakh to the anti labour codes campaign.

BRTU President Rambabu Yadav announced plans to unite more unions, vowing relentless fight until withdrawal.