Jamshedpur Trade Unions Protest Against Central Budget
Workers in Jamshedpur, India, joined a nationwide protest on Wednesday against the Indian government’s proposed budget for 2025-26. Central trade unions organized the demonstration to also express their opposition to four new labor codes. The protest took place at Sakchi Birsa Chowk, where various unions came together.
The protest began with a street play at Birsa Chowk to capture public attention. Following the play, demonstrators burned effigies that symbolized their disapproval of the budget and labor codes. Speakers at the event voiced strong criticisms, describing the budget proposals as unfair to workers and favoring corporations.
Union leaders argued that the new labor codes would negatively affect workers’ rights. Specifically, they believe that the new codes would make it easier for companies to take advantage of their employees. “These policies will only benefit the wealthy at the expense of the working class,” a union leader stated during the protest.
The trade unions are calling on the government to rethink the budget proposals. Furthermore, they want the government to stop putting the four labor codes into effect. They claim that these actions will worsen inequality and cause difficulties for workers throughout the country.
This protest is just one part of a larger movement of trade unions across India. These unions are united in their opposition to the government’s economic policies. Labor leaders feel strongly that current policies prioritize big businesses and overlook the needs of everyday workers. The labor codes, especially, have caused considerable disagreement, with unions claiming that they weaken worker protections.