Bengaluru's public sector undertaking contract workers to join nationwide protest on July 9

Bengaluru: Several public sector undertakings (PSUs) in Bengaluru could face staff shortages on July 9, as thousands of contract workers plan to join a nationwide protest against the Centre's new labour code.

The protest was announced during a convention held at Gandhi Bhavan by the Govt and Public Sector Non-Permanent Workers Joint Forum (Bengaluru), with the participation of workers from HAL, BEML, BEL, DRDO, BWSSB, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, and others.

Forum leaders said nearly 23,000 contract workers are affected in Bengaluru alone. Many have served over 15 years, yet remain on temporary rolls. They argue the new labour code weakens job security, eases hiring and firing, and restricts union rights. Their key demands include regularising Group C and D roles, revising the minimum wage to Rs 42,000, and removing the Rs 23,000 cap under the ESI Act.

Chandrashekar of the HAL Contract Workers Association said the govt avoids regularisation of jobs to cut costs, despite rising inflation. Women workers highlighted poor facilities, unsafe commutes, and a lack of workplace dignity.

The rally will begin at Town Hall and culminate at Freedom Park, aiming to spotlight the worsening conditions of outsourced and temporary workers in PSUs and government offices.