Overview of Labour Codes and Union Dynamics

The four labour codes have been notified, providing a legal framework for companies to offer social security to gig workers. However, the effectiveness of these laws depends largely on enforcement and the strength of worker unions.

Enforcement Challenges

• Labour laws are effective where unions are capable of enforcing compliance.
• In their absence, these laws often lead to informality and act as a means of rent collection.
• Despite existing laws, bonded labour persists, and MGNREGA has been pivotal in providing alternative employment.

Union Paradigm Shift

• Unions need to reconsider their opposition to globalisation and technology changes.
• Globalisation has improved the future prospects of ordinary Indians, contrary to certain union positions.
• Unions should support strategic economic competencies to maintain strategic autonomy.

Capital and Economic Growth

• Technology must be integrated into production, necessitating job redeployment and reskilling.
• Unions could advocate for a portion of workers' retirement savings to be used as venture capital for startups.
• The growth of the Sensex highlights the potential returns from equity over debt instruments.

Positive Union Initiatives

• Worker cooperatives in Kerala, like those formed by the trade union movement, have been successful.
• Examples include the Kerala Dinesh Beedi Cooperative and Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society.
• These cooperatives provide inspiration for creating similar platforms for gig economy workers.

Conclusion

• Unions should work within global growth frameworks to ensure workers' benefits.
• Replicating successful cooperative models can enhance job security and workers' livelihoods.