India’s labor market is distinguished by a diversified workforce and varying work cultures across regions and industries. “The code also introduces penalties for violations, such as paying less than the minimum wage or gender discrimination in recruitment and remuneration” (India’s New Labor Codes Enactment Status and Delayed Implementation – India Guide | Doing Business in India, 2023). Many industries rely significantly on manual labor, which typically entails long hours and difficult circumstances. While traditional activities like hand-weaving are encouraged, workers may confront difficulties such as poor salaries and job instability. Because the majority of the workforce is informal, many employees lack access to fundamental rights and benefits, making it difficult for them to raise concerns or negotiate improved working conditions (Sil, 2022). Furthermore, many manufacturing environments require employees to work overtime without salary, which can contribute to high levels of stress and burnout. “An international labor office would collect statistics on labor issues and enforce the new international laws (LABOUR LAWS in INDIA, n.d.). This shows that enforcing regulations aims to promote better working conditions, protect workers’ rights, and address various labor challenges on a global scale.
“The International Labour Organisation (ILO) was one of the first organizations to deal with labor issues. The ILO was established as an agency of the League of Nations following the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I” (LABOUR LAWS in INDIA, n.d.). The ILO was formed following the Treaty of Versailles, which was the agreement that officially ended the war. The ILO’s mission has been to promote fair labor standards, improve working conditions, and protect workers’ rights globally. The Indian government has taken steps to reform labor laws and worker protections through different policies. The 2019 Wage Code intends to secure equitable compensation for all workers, while the Industrial Relations Code strives for easier dispute settlement and protect labor rights (India’s New Labor Codes Enactment Status and Delayed Implementation – India Guide | Doing Business in India, 2023). However, issues remain, such as maintaining compliance in both the formal and informal sectors. “Labour Laws emerged when Employers tried to restrict the powers of Workers Organisations & keep labor costs low” (Sil, 2022). Despite advancements, many workers continue to experience exploitation and poor working conditions. By restricting the power of these organizations, employers hoped to maintain control over working conditions and costs. Labor laws were thus established to protect workers’ rights, ensuring they could organize, negotiate better pay, and advocate for safer working conditions. In essence, these laws serve to balance the power between employers and employees, promoting fair treatment and rights in the workplace. The continuous transition to more formal employment arrangements is critical for India’s economic growth and labor force well-being, as the country strives to balance traditional customs with contemporary labor rights and safeguards.
