While addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Sivankutty stated that Kerala had clearly communicated its stance during a Union Labour Ministry meeting last month.
“If we were yielding to central government pressure, we would have submitted a letter accepting the codes. We have not done that,” he said, refuting claims that the state had prepared draft regulations under duress.
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The minister specified that Kerala’s draft regulations, initially announced on December 14, 2021, were created transparently, including a recommendation for public feedback.
“All further processes have been halted. We have not taken any action in the last three years, so there is no need for concern,” he continued.
The Centre recently issued four labour codes, pending since 2020, which introduce significant reforms, including universal social security for gig workers, statutory minimum wages, mandatory appointment letters, and timely wage payments.
Sivankutty asserted that the state would “not adopt an anti-worker stance at any cost” and revealed plans to convene a meeting with central trade union representatives to discuss the implications of the newly implemented codes.
The Labour Department is also planning to host a labour conclave in Thiruvananthapuram in the third week of December, according to officials.
(Edited by : Gareema Bangad)
First Published: Nov 27, 2025 12:15 PM IST
