Workers demonstrate on May Day in Bangladesh, 1 May 2026.
12 May, 2026Across South Asia, unions report diluted labour protections and weakened collective structures. What is presented as reform is in reality a restructuring of power away from workers.
Trade union leaders from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka came together for a webinar on labour laws reforms, organized by IndustriALL on 4 May. Discussions highlighted how this shift is being operationalized. Wages remain stagnant, fixed-term employment is normalized and contracting expanded, reducing employer accountability.
Governments are using legal reforms to narrow definitions of workers, making it harder to claim rights and protections. Union registration is becoming more restrictive, while surveillance and data exposure deter organizing. Joining a union is increasingly becoming a risk, weakening collective power and discouraging resistance.
Increased participation of women and young workers is often presented as progress. However, speakers warned about the dangers of this expansion taking place through precarious and low-paid work, without corresponding protections, job security or safeguards against exploitation.
Speakers highlighted a striking pattern of weak implementation of labour laws. Widespread labour law violations, ineffective inspection systems and increased barriers around organizing consistently undermine enforcement, even...
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