Workers, employers found Labour Codes credible, forward-looking: government report

A survey conducted by the Union Labour Ministry’s research arm, V.V. Giri National Labour Institute, among 5,720 workers and 715 employers has found “a broad-based and constructive acceptance” of the four Labour Codes.

“The overall perception scores indicate that stakeholders view the Labour Codes as a credible and forward-looking reform, reflecting confidence in their long-term relevance despite the acknowledged transitional nature of the current phase,” a report based on the survey said.

The results were released by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday (February 9, 2026). Ten Central trade unions have given a call for general strike on February 12 against the implementation of the four Labour Codes.

It added that the Labour Codes are increasingly regarded as a shared institutional framework rather than as a unilateral regulatory intervention. “The study finds a consistently positive assessment of the potential impact of the Labour Codes on working conditions, wages, and income security. Workers perceive that the Codes will lead to improved regulation of working hours, better rest and leave practices, and greater regularity in wage payments,” it added.

Sixty per cent of workers, who participated in the survey, believed that overall working conditions will improve as implementation matures. “In addition, 63% of workers perceive that the provisions will lead to better regulation of working hours, while 60% believe the Codes will improve rest periods and leave practices. Regarding remuneration, 54% of workers believe the Labour Codes will improve the timely payment of wages,” the report said.

Also, 64% of workers believed that the new provisions will improve income security; 76% of employers believed that workforce flexibility is essential for business sustainability, and 64% believed timely wage payment provisions will improve workplace discipline. “Fixed-term employment and adaptable workforce structures are viewed as compatible with business sustainability, particularly in a competitive and evolving economic environment, with 64% of employers stating that fixed-term employment suits their business model,” the report added.

It further said: “71% of employers express confidence that the Labour Codes support women’s participation in employment, while 66% of workers believe that safety, transport, and monitoring requirements will improve protection for women workers.”