Members of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Mysuru staged a protest in Mysuru on Saturday, urging the Karnataka government to frame rules only after introducing suitable amendments to the four labour codes enacted by the Centre following the repeal of 29 labour laws.

The protestors alleged that the new labour codes would curtail workers’ rights that had been secured through decades of struggles by trade unions, including those dating back to the pre-Independence era. They argued that the codes could adversely affect industrial relations, result in the “harassment” of workers and undermine Karnataka’s position as a leading industrial State.

Demanding that the State government refrain from implementing the Central labour codes in their present form, the CITU leaders urged the State government to exercise its constitutional powers to introduce amendments that would safeguard the interests of workers in the State.

The union also demanded the implementation of a minimum monthly wage of ₹36,000 for workers.

A memorandum outlining the demands was submitted to the office of Chief Minister of Karnataka through the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mysuru.