Over one lakh workers expected at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for indefinite protest by CITU starting December 1

A representational image of workers in the unorganised sector. CITU’s demands include repeal of the labour codes, recognition of scheme workers as workers with statutory benefits, a minimum monthly wage of ₹42,000, and pension of ₹21,000, and comprehensive social security for unorganised-sector workers. | Photo Credit: Rajeev Bhatt The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will launch an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from December 1, demanding protection of workers’ rights and repeal of ‘anti-worker’ labour codes.Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on November 2, CITU State unit president S. Varalakshmi said, “Over one lakh workers from across the country are expected to participate. Around 40,000 travel tickets had already been booked by workers from Karnataka and other States.”Also Read: The myth of ‘unskilled’ labour Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and livelihood, she said the condition of unorganised and daily-wage workers continues to deteriorate. Citing National Crime Records Bureau data, she said 52,910 suicides among unorganised and daily-wage workers were reported in 2024.From May 2026: Unorganised workers demand scrapping labour codes, 3% of budget for welfare measuresShe also expressed concern over malnutrition and poor health indicators, citing stunted growth among 29% to 35.5% of children and anaemia among 57% of women.Alleging that workers protesting violations of livelihood rights and workplace deaths were being victimised through dismissals, criminal cases, and arrest, Ms. Varalakshmi said such measures undermined democratic rights.The agitation would press for protection of workers’ livelihoods, social security, and democratic rights.CITU’s demands include repeal of the labour codes, recognition of scheme workers as workers with statutory benefits, a minimum monthly wage of ₹42,000, and pension of ₹21,000, and comprehensive social security for unorganised-sector workers.The union also seeks filling vacant posts, regularisation of contract workers, equal pay for equal work, workplace safety, protection of water, land and forests, and land cultivation certificates for bagair hukum cultivators.Its demands further include scrapping the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Published - November 03, 2026 11:21 am IST