Responding to the call of the Central Trade Unions (CTU), BWI Indian affiliates on 22 May joined a nationwide peaceful protest against the suspension of labour laws in India's major states and the deplorable plight of migrant workers. 

It was reported that several states, responding to the COVID-19 economic slowdown, have passed laws extending working hours from the currently mandated 8 hours per day to 12 hours per day, and suspending labour laws which protect fundamental principles and rights at work, including protection from the violation of principles of freedom of association and forced and compulsory labour. 

In the Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi states, the INBCWF, NOBSM, OFMFPWU, OKKS, CLU, MPTSMC, DANMU and DSEWU held demonstrations to protest the government’s anti-labour measures. Many workers expressed their solidarity to the nationwide protests by wearing black badges and organising lunch-hour meetings.  

...Rama Chandra Khuntia, Vice-President of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and Chair of the BWI Indian Affiliates Council, congratulated all the trade unions that participated in the protests.