Nationwide protests break out over India's new labor codes
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, lakhs across India joined protests led by 10 major trade unions against four new labor codes.
These codes, notified on November 21, replace 29 old laws with updated rules on wages, job safety, social security, and workplace rights.
The government says the changes will help modernize workplaces and offer better coverage for gig and informal workers.
But unions feel the reforms make it easier for companies to lay off staff and weaken long-standing worker protections.
Why should you care?
These new labor codes are a big shift for anyone working now or planning to work soon—think mandatory appointment letters and set salary payment dates.
But there's real worry among workers: unions argue that the changes could mean less job security and tougher conditions for forming unions or striking.
This clash highlights growing tension between worker rights and policies aimed at attracting investment by loosening regulations.