Various trade unions staging a demonstration in Erode in Tamil Nadu, condemning the policies of the Central government, on Monday.
| Photo Credit: GOVARTHAN M.
Members of central trade unions and farmers’ organisations staged a protest near the Head Post Office here on Monday (August 10, 2026), demanding the withdrawal of the labour codes and opposing what they described as the “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-people” policies of the Union government.The protesters took out a procession from Periyar Nagar through Gandhiji Road to the Head Post Office, where they staged a picketing protest. They raised slogans in support of their 10-point charter of demands.The unions demanded the immediate withdrawal of the four labour codes announced in November 2025 and the rules notified in May 2026. They sought an end to fixed-term employment and demanded protection of trade union rights, an eight-hour workday and job security. The protesters also sought a statutory minimum support price for agricultural produce along with assured procurement. They demanded the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025, and an end to privatisation of the power sector.Other demands included fixing a minimum monthly wage of ₹26,000 for workers, including anganwadi, ASHA and part-time scheme workers, and restoring the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act with 200 days of work a year and a daily wage of ₹700.They also sought restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, a complete waiver of farm loans, an end to privatisation of public sector enterprises and stronger action against alleged question paper leaks. When the protesters blocked the road affecting the flow of traffic, police removed 220 protestors and lodged them at a marriage hall. Published - August 10, 2026 05:37 pm IST
