INTUC raised concerns over recent implementation of the four Labour Codes

By Bijay Mishra
Bhubaneswar, 01-12-25

INTUC raised concerns over recent implementation of the four Labour Codes by the Government of India and their potential negative impacts on workers, particularly in the areas of trade union recognition and collective bargaining. As per the new provisions, if the winning trade union secures less than 51% of the votes, it will lose its independent bargaining rights. Instead, a Joint Bargaining Committee will be formed comprising unions that have secured 20% or more of the votes, which may negatively impact the process due to the fragmentation of groups.

Meeting Mrs Chitra Arumugam , Additional Chief Secretary (Labour & ESI), Mr M M Dhal, 

National Organizing Secretary & Vice President INTUC, Odisha also highlighted that, under the new labour codes, the government has introduced a time-bound wage revision for contract workers without any structured formula, unlike the pay commission system for government and public sector employees. “There is no guaranteed benefit, and the formula for DA enhancement for contract workers does not sufficiently meet workers’ needs. It should be based on actual cost—reflecting prevailing market prices and consumption patterns as per the recommended calorific value—rather than a percentage system.”- told Mr Dhal

Mr Dhal  acknowledged that mandatory issuance of appointment orders for all contract workers would deter arbitrary retrenchments.  Mr Dhal expressed concerns regarding the replacement of the traditional Inspector system with a Facilitator model, which may lead to procedural delays in inspections and prosecutions. There are also apprehensions that workers’ take-home salaries may reduce while working hours may increase to 10–12 hours.

However, Mr Dhal also acknowledged that strict enforcement by the government could bring positive changes, such as:Mandatory issuance of appointment orders for all contract workers, which would deter arbitrary retrenchments, Immediate revision of wage packages as per changes notified by the appropriate government under the Minimum Wages Act, across government and public sector establishments ,Payment of minimum wages strictly as per statutory requirements ,Eligibility for gratuity after one year of service, which may not be effective unless the government ensures strict compliance by employers ,Introduction of a revised leave system after 190 days of work instead of the current 240 days, subject to effective implementation by the Labour Department.

In the discussion Mrs Chitra Arumugam , Additional Chief Secretary (Labour & ESI) agreed to consider the relocation of the ESI dispensary at NALCO, Damanjodi, which is currently in poor condition, and to approach the NALCO M&R Complex management to provide the required infrastructure. Mr Dhal also raised the issue of the existing ESI dispensary in Talcher, functioning in a remote location far from industrial workers. It was proposed to shift the dispensary to the NTPC Talcher Thermal campus, where more than 7,000 contract workers are engaged in the expansion project. NTPC management has agreed to provide the necessary infrastructure. Additional Chief Secretary (Labour & ESI) assured that both dispensaries at Damanjodi and Talcher Thermal would be opened after receiving management consent and the handover of fully prepared infrastructure.

She also proposed enhancing the bed strength at CSPUR ESI Hospital to 250 as part of its upgradation into a feeder hospital for the upcoming Bhubaneswar ESI Medical College.

Further, she discussed launching awareness programs through media, at traffic junctions, factory gates, public places, and through leaflets and meetings. She also assured the immediate provision of ICU and other critical care facilities at CSPUR Hospital within a month of finalizing the contracts. She spoke about the posting of new doctors and staff and the modernization of other ESI dispensaries across the state. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of professional and empathetic behaviour by doctors and staff towards patients and beneficiaries.

INTUC leaders urged for visible transformation and a renewed vision to the ESI Department. Among others Additional Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal was also present during the discussion.