Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday declared that the state will not implement the Centre’s new labour codes, amid growing nationwide opposition to the reforms. The announcement followed a meeting with central trade union leaders, where the state reiterated its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, IANS reported. Senior Labour Department officials and representatives of major unions attended the discussion.

Trade union leaders unanimously resolved to press the Centre to roll back the codes, arguing that the new framework weakens job security, collective bargaining, and other worker protections. As part of its response, Kerala will host a Labour Conclave on December 19, inviting labour ministers from other states opposed to the codes.

Around 100 delegates — including trade union representatives, legal experts, and policy specialists — are expected to attend the conclave to chart a joint strategy and examine the feasibility of drafting state-specific labour laws.

Sivankutty said the meeting will assess Kerala’s legal authority to frame its own labour legislation, explore the degree of intervention permitted within the current constitutional framework, and review expert opinions on state autonomy in labour matters.

“We will formally request the Centre to withdraw the codes, and after the conclave, a delegation is likely to meet the Union Labour Minister to submit a memorandum,” Sivankutty said.

Referring to Wednesday’s nationwide protests, during which workers wore black badges, the minister noted reports that some establishments had issued notices against employees who participated. He warned that such actions would not be tolerated in Kerala.

“No institution can act against any worker for a peaceful protest in this state. The government will not allow attempts to intimidate or silence workers,” he said.

Kerala’s strong stand is expected to add momentum to the broader national debate on federal powers, labour rights, and the future of the Centre’s ‘One Nation, One Law’ approach.