Akash Fundkar Orders Labour Code Consultations With Trade Unions At Mantralaya
On Monday, July 8, 2026, Maharashtra Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar directed the State Labour Department to conduct detailed consultations with trade unions regarding the state's draft rules under the four new Central Labour Codes. Speaking during a review meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai, Fundkar instructed officials to gather feedback before submitting a consolidated report to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment. This directive aims to ensure that the views, objections, and suggestions of workers and trade unions are prioritized and thoroughly considered.
During the meeting, Fundkar specified that four expert committees constituted by the Labour Department must actively engage with the Joint Action Committee of workers' unions. The consultations will cover the draft Maharashtra Wage Code Rules, the Industrial Relations Code Rules, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Rules, and the Social Security Code Rules.
To ensure a structured and comprehensive discussion on every aspect of the proposed rules, the minister directed the department to immediately issue an official schedule of meetings. Fundkar emphasized that safeguarding the interests of workers and employees remains the top priority of the state government before any of the new labour codes are implemented.
The minister noted that the draft rules have already been placed in the public domain to receive objections and suggestions. He stressed that the ongoing consultation process must remain transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders. Fundkar also assured the trade unions that all of their genuine concerns and recommendations would be duly recorded, promising that the state government will ensure workers' rights and social security are not compromised.
Following the completion of the consultation process, the expert committees are tasked with preparing a comprehensive joint report. This report will incorporate the final recommendations and conclusions from the discussions. Once finalized, the state government will forward the report to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment for further consideration and action.
