Trade unions in India stage nationwide protests against new labor codes

NEW DELHI (AP) — A coalition of 10 major Indian trade unions mounted nationwide protests Wednesday against the government’s rollout of new labor codes, saying the sweeping changes were “deceptive fraud” against workers.

Demonstrations were held in several parts of the country as unions representing millions of laborers and farmers accused the government of pushing through the overhaul despite widespread concerns that the new framework erodes job security, weakens collective bargaining and heightens employer control.

It is the first coordinated labor action since the codes took effect last week, underscoring deep tensions between unions and the government over the direction of economic reforms.

While Indian officials said the new framework will modernize outdated laws, improve efficiency and expand social protections, unions argued it would strip essential safeguards and favor employers at a time of rising job insecurity.

“Workers’ rights are being bulldozed, and the government is justifying the move with a barrage of lies that the codes will benefit laborers,” said Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, which is aligned with the communist party and a key trade union in the group that called for the strike.

The four codes — covering wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety — replace 29 labor laws that previously governed hiring, benefits and workplace standards across India’s formal and informal sectors.

The government, while notifying the codes, said the consolidated structure simplifies compliance, reduces fragmentation and gives workers better access to social security, provident fund contributions and safety norms.

The codes make it compulsory for employers to issue appointment letters and fixes a timeframe for payment of salaries. It also allows women to work night shifts with security arrangements by employers.

Social security benefits have been extended to the unorganized sector and gig workers. Fixed-term employees will receive the same benefits as permanent workers, including leaves, maternity benefits and additional payouts after completing one year of service.

Unions, however, argue the implementation has revealed the reforms to be deeply skewed in favor of employers. They point to provisions that allow easy layoffs for larger firms, expand fixed-term employment and tighten conditions for forming unions or calling strikes.

“It’s an attempt to push workers’ back to the colonial era where they can’t even raise their voice nor fight to form or legalize a trade union,” said Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of All India Trade Union Congress, another prominent union taking part in the strike.

The government hasn’t formally commented on the strike. It usually dismisses assertions made by the unions.

New Delhi has defended the codes as long overdue, saying that a modern labor framework was essential to attract investment and increase formal jobs. It hopes companies will be encouraged to expand operations, creating more secure employment over time.

An elderly member of a trade unions waits for the start of a protest against the government's rollout of new labor codes in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

An activist of a trade union carries flags for distribution to fellow activist during a protest against the government's rollout of new labor codes in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Members of various Indian trade unions shout slogans during a protest against the government's rollout of new labor codes in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Members of various Indian trade unions listen to a speech of their leader during a protest against the government's rollout of new labor codes in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Members of various Indian trade unions shout slogans during a protest against the government's rollout of new labor codes in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 1, 2026--

Navan (NASDAQ: NAVN), the global AI-powered business travel and expense platform, today announced that PCL Construction has selected Navan to spearhead its global travel and expense transformation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331877360/en/

PCL Construction has thrived for more than a century by consistently innovating and adapting to the latest technology. As an employee-owned company, PCL is defined by a culture that empowers its workforce and prioritizes the employee experience. By partnering with Navan, PCL is moving away from decentralized manual workflows toward a high-performance, unified tech stack.

“PCL’s 120-year history is a testament to our ability to adapt and lead. We have always embraced technology to modernize our business and improve the lives of our employees,” said Gordon Stephenson, Chief Financial Officer at PCL Construction. “In Navan, we found a partner that matches our resilient, tech-forward mindset. By unifying travel and expense, we are removing the friction of manual processes and giving our teams a superior, digital-first experience that allows them to stay focused on building the future.”

The decision to adopt Navan reflects a commitment to driving operational excellence across PCL’s more than 30 major centers. Key drivers of the partnership include:

“Navan aims to be the engine behind the world’s most forward-thinking organizations, and PCL Construction is a premier example of a global leader that refuses to settle for the status quo,” said Michael Sindicich, President of Navan. “By integrating travel and expense into a single AI-powered workflow, PCL is setting a new standard for productivity in the construction industry. This partnership continues Navan’s momentum as the platform of choice for complex, global enterprises that demand both financial control and a premium user experience.”

PCL Construction joins a growing list of enterprise organizations switching to Navan, including industry leaders from across Canada and the construction sector. This momentum is underscored by Navan’s recent ranking as the No. 1 Travel Management Software in Canada in the G2 Spring 2026 Rankings, cementing its position as the preferred choice for Canadian companies demanding modern, scalable travel and expense solutions.

About PCL Construction

PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $9.9 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.

About Navan

Navan (NASDAQ: NAVN) is the global AI-powered business travel and expense platform that makes travel easy for frequent travelers. From finding flights and hotels, to automating expense reconciliation, with 24/7 support along the way, Navan delivers an intuitive experience travelers love and finance teams rely on. See how Navan customers benefit and learn more at navan.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact could be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” or similar expressions. Such statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include the risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Navan’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 15, 2025 and in other reports Navan files from time to time with the SEC. Except as required by law, Navan undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements.

PCL Construction Selects Navan to Transform Global Travel and Expense Operations