Federation of UT Employees and Workers, Chandigarh: Executive Committee Meeting Announces Observance of 'Black Day' on April 1, 2026, Against the Four Labour Codes

Federation of UT Employees and Workers, Chandigarh: Executive Committee Meeting Announces Observance of 'Black Day' on April 1, 2026, Against the Four Labour Codes

Chandigarh 31 March ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : An executive committee meeting of the Federation of UT Employees and Workers, Chandigarh, was held here yesterday in Sector 18, presided over by the Federation's President, Rajendra Katoch. While presenting a resolution during the meeting, the Federation's General Secretary, Harkesh Chand, proposed the implementation of the decision to observe 'Black Day' on April 1, 2026—a call issued by central trade unions—in protest against the Central Government's move to repeal 29 labour laws and notify four new Labour Codes, as well as against the scheduled implementation of these codes starting April 1, 2026. Additionally, resolutions were tabled to express opposition to other legislative measures, including the MGNREGA Act, the Electricity Bill 2025, and the Seeds Bill. Following a detailed discussion on these resolutions—and in alignment with the directives of the central trade unions and the All India State Government Employees Federation regarding opposition to the Labour Codes and other proposals—it was decided to stage protest demonstrations across various government departments by wearing black badges. 

During the meeting, strong resentment was also expressed regarding the Chandigarh Administration and the Municipal Corporation's failure to address and resolve other pending demands of their employees; consequently, a decision was taken to announce a series of prolonged and major agitations in the near future. During the Executive Committee meeting, discussions were held regarding preparations for the *Dharna* (sit-in protest) scheduled for April 9, 2026, at the Department of Social Welfare, Sector 17, aimed at pressing for the demands of Anganwadi and Crèche workers and their assistants. An appeal was issued to all unions to participate in large numbers in the April 9 protest—organized specifically for the demands of Anganwadi and Crèche workers—and to stand united against the Department of Social Welfare. During the meeting, strong resentment was expressed over the fact that, despite repeated demands made to the Administrator of Chandigarh, the Chief Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, and the Director of the Department to withdraw the termination orders issued to Crèche workers and assistants—orders perceived as vindictive in nature—no concrete steps are being taken by administrative officials to reinstate these employees, despite the submission of numerous memorandums. 

In this context, the Federation had also submitted a memorandum to Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India and former Member of Parliament, who subsequently appealed to the Administrator on the matter; yet, administrative officials continue to exploit the employees. Acting in violation of established rules, five Crèche workers and assistants were prematurely retired at the age of 60 instead of the prescribed retirement age of 65. Conversely, a conspiracy is reportedly underway to re-employ Naresh Kumar Sharma—who served as the *Palna* (Crèche) In-charge at *Bal Bhawan*—through the "back door" at *Bal Bhawan*, despite his having already retired after attaining the age of 65. During the Federation's meeting, a forceful demand was raised for a high-level inquiry into such irregularities being perpetrated by the Department of Social Welfare. Furthermore, employees across all departments were appealed to observe April 1 as a "Black Day" by organizing massive rallies to demand the repeal of the new Labour Codes, and to ensure the success of the *Dharna* scheduled to be held in front of the Department of Social Welfare's office on April 9, 2026.