New Labour Codes: From gig workers to IT professionals, what are major benefits? Check sector-wise breakdown

New labour codes are set to empower workers with more favorable policies.

As India continues to remain bright spot among the global gloom, the Centre’s new initiative to overhaul the labour laws will usher in a new era. With demographic setup across Tier-II and Tier-III cities changing dramatically, it was pertinent that the Union government consolidated 29 labour laws into four new labour codes. These codes that were announced last week speak extensively about wages, overtime, social security net and much more. Effective from November 2025, the four labour codes also provide sector-wise benefits to all workers: Here’s the breakdown:

Gig and Platform Workers: This is the biggest change introduced by the labour codes. This is for the first time that a legal definition has been introduced with aggregator-funded welfare and portable Aadhaar-linked benefits. With a large chunk of unorganised sector coming under this category, the codification of norms will help those who are at mercy of the employers.

Contractual Workers: Fixed-term employees gain equal benefits and gratuity eligibility after one year; health and social security supported by principal employer.

Women Workers: Legal prohibition of gender discrimination, equal pay, maternity and night-shift work with safety, plus medical bonuses.

Youth Workers: Guaranteed minimum wage, mandatory appointment letters, wage payment during leave, and floor wage enforcement.

MSME Workers: Social security coverage extended, standard work hours, double overtime wages, and timely wage payments ensured.

Beedi & Cigar Workers: Minimum wage assured, capped working hours, consent-based double overtime pay, bonus eligibility, and timely wages.

Plantation Workers: Inclusion under safety and social security codes with mandatory safety training, protective equipment, and family medical/education benefits.

Audio-Visual Workers: Full social security, mandatory appointment letters, timely wages, and consent-based double overtime payments.

Mines Workers: Accident compensation included, standardized safety conditions, health check-ups, and regulated working hours.

Workers in Hazardous Conditions: Annual free health check-ups, national safety standards, gender-inclusive job access, and mandated safety committees.

Textile Workers: Equal wages and welfare for migrant workers, extended claims timeframe, and double wages for overtime.

IT Sector Workers: Mandated timely salary, equal pay, women's night shifts enabled, harassment dispute resolution, and guaranteed social security.

Dock Workers: Formal recognition with appointment letters, provident fund, pension, insurance, and employer-funded health checks.

Export Sector Workers: Fixed-term workers receive gratuity and PF, paid leave after 180 days, timely wages, and consent-based night shifts with safety measures.