Coal workers’ union stages protest in Assam's Margherita against new labour codes

A coal workers’ union affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) mounted a sit-in protest on November 26 outside the office of the General Manager of Northeastern Coalfields, Coal India Limited, demanding the withdrawal of the Union Government’s newly implemented labour codes.

The Rashtriya Coal Mazdoor Union said the four codes — covering wages, industrial relations, occupational safety, health, and working conditions — pose a direct threat to job security and workers’ rights. The measures came into force on 22 November, prompting strong criticism from several trade unions nationwide.

Union president Pradip Ghoshal and general secretary Mantosh Taye argued that the legislation undermines long-standing protections. They described the laws as “draconian” and warned that they would “ruin the lives of labourers across the country”.

Taye stated that the union is calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government to withdraw the codes immediately. He cautioned that if the government fails to respond, more aggressive demonstrations will follow at Northeastern Coalfields.

The Rashtriya Coal Mazdoor Union, which represents around 230 workers in the Margherita area, said Wednesday’s sit-in marks the beginning of a broader agitation plan.