Labour laws in South Asian countries are under attack. These attacks are being doubled down in the name of “economic recovery" and to cover up for the losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work hours are being increased, contractualization legalized and attempts are being made to make it easier for employers to hire and fire. Labour laws in South Asia countries, while nothing to marvel at, offer some protections to the workers and trade unions. Many of these protections have been the results of long-term trade union struggles. The “reforms”, as the government's term it, have been justified in the name of 1) current laws being a colonial legacy which needs updating; 2) simplifying the multiplicity of laws, which complicate implementation; and 3) to include newer forms of employment into its ambit. These nations see de-regulation and simplified labour laws as a one-stop solution to bring in further investment which would amplify their economic fortunes. On the other spectrum are also countries which have recently transitioned into democracies, where trade unions are continuously advocating for new labour laws.

While unions have acknowledged the need for simplifying laws, they have stood firm on certain key principles. They have strongly opposed changing labour laws without ‘consultation’ and have insisted that all the new laws adhere to international labour standards and, most importantly, should not harm the existing protections.

[Source: Regional Conference organised by Solidarity Center (SC) and SARTUC]