Labour/Employments law

Labour/Employment Law

The main Labour and Employment Laws in India (as of 2025) are streamlined into 4 Labour Codes passed by Parliament, which consolidate 29 older labour laws. They are:

Four Labour Codes

Code on Wages, 2019 (PDF of the Act)

• Covers payment of wages, minimum wage, equal remuneration, bonus.

Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (PDF of the Act)

• Covers trade unions, conditions of employment, standing orders, dispute resolution.

Code on Social Security, 2020 (PDF of the Act)

• Covers provident fund, employee state insurance, gratuity, maternity benefits, gig and platform workers.

Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (PDF of the Act)

• Covers safety, health, working conditions in factories, mines, docks, and contract labour.

Still-referenced (until full implementation of Codes)

Though the Codes are notified, their rules are not fully enforced in all states yet. Till then, some older acts continue, like:

• Factories Act, 1948 (PDF of the Act)
• Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (PDF of the Act)
• Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 (PDF of the Act)
• Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (PDF of the Act)
• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (PDF of the Act)
• Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 (PDF of the Act)
• Trade Unions Act, 1926 (PDF of the Act)
• Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (PDF of the Act)
• Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 (PDF of the Act)

(These are getting merged into the above 4 Codes).

FAQs on Labour and Employment Laws in India

Q1. What are labour laws?

They are laws regulating wages, working conditions, social security, safety, and dispute resolution between employers and workers.

Q2. What are the new Labour Codes?

Code on Wages, 2019
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Code on Social Security, 2020
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

Q3. Are the Labour Codes implemented?

They are passed and notified but full enforcement depends on central and state rules. Many states are still finalizing rules.

Q4. What is covered under the Code on Wages?

Payment of minimum wages, timely payment of wages, equal pay for equal work, and bonus provisions.

Q5. Does the Code on Wages apply to all employees?

Yes, unlike the old Minimum Wages Act, it applies to all employees across sectors.

Q6. What is the Industrial Relations Code?

It deals with trade unions, collective bargaining, employment conditions, and dispute settlement.

Q7. Can workers go on strike under the new Code?

Yes, but with stricter notice requirements (60 days for strikes in public utility services).

Q8. What is the Social Security Code?

It merges PF, ESI, gratuity, maternity benefits, and provides coverage for gig and platform workers too.

Q9. Are gig workers covered by social security?

Yes, gig and platform workers are recognized and can get benefits like insurance, PF schemes (details depend on implementation).

Q10. What is the Occupational Safety Code?

It regulates health, safety, and working conditions in factories, mines, construction, and for contract labour.

Q11. What is the working hour limit under the new Codes?

8 hours per day, with provisions for overtime.

Q12. Are women allowed to work night shifts?

Yes, with safety measures and consent.

Q13. What is gratuity and who gets it?

A lump sum paid to employees completing 5 years of service. Under the Social Security Code, fixed-term and gig workers may also be covered.

Q14. What is maternity benefit under labour laws?

26 weeks of paid maternity leave, plus crèche facilities in establishments with 50+ employees.

Q15. What about provident fund (PF)?

PF contributions by employer and employee are retained under the Social Security Code.

Q16. Do labour laws apply to small shops and establishments?

Yes, but applicability may vary based on number of employees.

Q17. Are apprentices and interns covered under these Codes?

Apprentices are governed separately by the Apprentices Act, but interns may get certain protections depending on state rules.

Q18. What is the penalty for non-compliance by employers?

Fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the violation (e.g., non-payment of wages, unsafe conditions).

Q19. Can contract workers claim benefits?

Yes, under the Occupational Safety Code and Social Security Code, they are entitled to safety and welfare benefits.

Q20. Who enforces labour laws?

The Ministry of Labour & Employment, state labour departments, and specialized inspectors.