One of the major changes would make it compulsory for a trade union to have a membership of at least ten percent or one hundred, whichever is less. The trade unions argued that the right to organise is a fundamental right. The Factories Act restricts women working at night. One of the controversial subjects discussed was amending this act to allow women to work night shifts. The Indian labour movement is entering a vital stage where it faces the threat of losing the freedom it enjoyed in the past.
Industry seems bent on achieving their demands for flexibility and lax labour laws.
Trade unions are fighting tooth and nail to oppose these changes. The only surprise in this workshop was that none of the participants from unions or labour NGOs demanded better working conditions or a safe workplace. This shows that in the Indian labour movement health and safety is the lowest priority.