Ludhiana: Contract workers’ unions of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, PRTC along with other trade unions and workers observed a “Black Day” in protest against the implementation of four labour codes, citing that these reforms are anti-worker and would lead to exploitation.The protest was held outside the Punjab Roadways PUNBUS depot where members of various unions gathered and raised slogans against both the Central and state governments. Demonstrators carried black flags to mark their dissent and expressed strong opposition to what they termed as “anti-labour policies.”Leaders of the unions said that workers across the country had already staged a nationwide strike on February 12, 2026, opposing the labour codes. Despite this, they alleged that the government continues to push forward with the reforms in an authoritarian manner, ignoring the concerns of workers and employees.Shamsher Singh Dhillon, state general secretary, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union, Punjab said that the proposed labour codes would adversely impact the working class by weakening job security and increasing contractual employment. They members said that the growing trend of contractual hiring in government departments is leading to lower wages and exploitation of workers. They further stated that regular recruitment is being curtailed, which, according to them, reflects an intent to gradually weaken public sector institutions.They also criticised policies such as the kilometre scheme in the transport sector, alleging that it promotes privatization through private bus operators. According to them, such measures not only reduce employment opportunities but also open doors to corruption. They said that the implementation of the labour codes would result in both mental and physical exploitation of workers. They asserted that suppressing the voice of employees could pave the way for the enforcement of these “harsh” reforms.The members said that if the labour codes are not withdrawn or if any attempt is made to implement them, trade unions would be compelled to launch intensified agitations in the coming days.
