Spokesperson: Shri Udit Raj: Chairman of the Unorganised Workers & Employees Congress (KKC) Shri Udit Raj, flagged the widespread exploitation of contractual labour across multiple states, linking recent worker protests to low wages and the implementation of new labour codes. He said labour unrest reported from Noida, Manesar, Faridabad and Bhiwandi reflects systemic issues, including monthly wages ranging between 11,000 and 12,000 for contract workers, which he termed “unsustainable”.

Raj said revisions announced by the Uttar Pradesh government following protests were “inadequate”, noting that even the revised wages for unskilled and skilled workers remain insufficient given rising living costs, particularly in urban centres like Noida.

He criticised the four labour codes implemented in November 2025, alleging they have weakened protections provided under 42 labour laws enacted over decades, including during Congress-led governments. He claimed that the changes have reduced the bargaining power of trade unions compared with earlier periods when their strikes affected the country and compelled governments to negotiate.

He also flagged the declining effectiveness of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), stating that reduced rural employment opportunities have increased workers’ dependence on low-paying urban jobs.

Shri Udit Raj urged trade unions across Party lines to unite against what he described as “intensifying exploitation”. He also raised concerns over non-compliance by employers in depositing provident fund and ESIC contributions.

Rejecting allegations that recent protests were influenced by external actors, he dismissed claims of “Pakistan sponsorship” as baseless, asserting that the issue was purely related to employer-employee dynamics.

He maintained that the issue of labour rights requires a “humanitarian approach beyond politics”. Tuesday, April 14, 2026