The AIDWA has strongly condemned the recent remarks of the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, blaming trade unions for industrial slowdown and questioning minimum wages for domestic workers. These observations reflect a neo-liberal mindset that seeks to weaken workers’ struggles and undermine constitutionally guaranteed labour rights.

Trade unions have historically fought for dignity, fair wages and social security for workers, especially women in the informal sector. The right to organise is protected under the Constitution, and portraying unions as obstacles to growth delegitimises these democratic rights. Official data clearly show that industrial disputes have declined sharply in recent years, while closures are driven by corporate failures, financialisation, policy stress on MSMEs and withdrawal of welfare measures — not by workers asserting their rights.

The CJI's comments on minimum wages for domestic workers are particularly disturbing. Domestic work is a highly feminised sector marked by exploitation, and minimum wages are essential to ensure dignity and livelihood.

The timing of these remarks, just before the nationwide general strike on 12 February against the anti-worker labour codes, is deeply concerning. The AIDWA fully supports the strike, as endorsed by the 14th Conference. It stands firmly with the trade union movement and calls for upholding constitutional values of social justice and workers’ rights instead of promoting neo-liberal narratives.