Three Labour Codes were passed by the Lok Sabha recently. These codes merge 44 central labor Acts to simplify the labor laws of India and provide social security to all workers by improving the ease of doing business. The said labor codes are:
- Industrial Relations Code Bill 2020- Under this code, the definition of employers, workers, and strike were amended and laws relating to employer-employee relations were expanded. 60- day notice period for the strike was made compulsory for all employees. The companies were also allowed to hire and fire workers up to 300 workers which were originally limited to 100 workers. Industries that have 300 workers or few will not be required to issue a standing order.
- The Code on Social Security, 2020- The code required the central government to provide security schemes to workers in relation to education, health, old age, maternity benefit, etc. It is also required for providing various schemes like provident fund, life insurance, etc. The code is also required for the establishment of a National Social Security Board for seeing that the schemes are implemented properly.
- The Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020- The code expanded the definition of migrant workers and created work opportunities for women workers by enabling them to work in all establishments and for any kind of work. It also allowed them to work at night under certain conditions.
