The central government implemented four new labour codes on November 21, 2025, replacing 29 old laws. These include changes for IT employees such as timely salary payments, health checkups, and permission for women to work night shifts. In Karnataka, the minister promised consultations with unions.
The central government notified four new labour codes on November 21, 2025, set to bring significant changes to workers' lives. These codes replace 29 old laws covering wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety.
For IT sector employees, key changes include mandatory salary payments by the 7th of every month to enhance transparency. Equal pay for equal work is ensured, eliminating gender-based disparities. Women are now permitted to work night shifts to access higher-paying opportunities. Employees over 40 years will receive free health checkups.
The codes extend social security to contract, gig, and platform workers. Fixed-term employees qualify for gratuity after one year, while permanent staff adhere to the five-year requirement. Provisions for mandatory offer letters and swift resolution of harassment, discrimination, and wage disputes have been added.
Chandrajeet Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), stated, 'By consolidating 29 old labour laws, the government's aim is to streamline compliance, enhance worker protection, and align India with international labour standards. These codes will promote better wages, stronger social security, improved workplace safety, and a more reliable environment for both employees and industry.'
However, Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad assured no hasty implementation in the state. He promised detailed consultations with industries, trade unions, and employers' unions. Criticizing the central government, he said, 'In the name of ease of doing business, labour issues cannot be overlooked. Now, companies with fewer than 300 employees do not need permission to shut down, which ignores labour welfare.'
Sathyanand, Secretary of AITUC Karnataka, called it 'a retrograde measure that undermines the foundational welfare aspects of existing labour laws and pushes workers into the unorganised sector by legalizing hire-and-fire policies.' He urged the state to consider central trade unions' objections. CITU announced spontaneous protests at factory gates on November 23 and organized protests on November 26 at district centers.
