LUCKNOW, Aug. 5 -- The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Union ministry of labour and employment's notification on four labour codes on November 21, 2025, subsuming 29 central labour laws. The rules corresponding to these notifications were subsequently notified on May 8, 2026. This marks the beginning of a new labour-market regime that creates a statutory backing for a minimum wage for the first time, provides social-security benefits to workers across sectors and allows women to work in night shifts. The new laws also define gig workers. "Before UP, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh and Lakshadweep had adopted the labour codes. The respective state governments have already notified the rules," said Shanmuga Sundaram MK, principal secretary, labour and employment department, UP. The Uttar Pradesh Wage Code, 2026, was submitted to the Cabinet for approval on August 4. The Wage Code, 2019, and the Uttar Pradesh Wage Rules, 2026, incorporate the provisions for workers and employers. Benefits for workers include ensuring the applicability of minimum wages to all eligible employees, replacing the old system of 'scheduled employments'. This means all workers are now entitled to receive minimum wages, regardless of the nature of their employment or workplace. A mechanism for determining minimum wages based on skill levels, the nature of work, and geographical regions. 'Equal pay for equal work'-meaning the elimination of gender-based wage discrimination. Basic pay will constitute 50% of the total salary, thereby curbing the practice of paying wages in the form of allowances. Contributions towards PF, ESIC and gratuity will increase. Payment of outstanding dues upon the termination of a worker's service must be made within two days. Principal employers will be held responsible for the payment of wages and bonuses to contract workers. The maximum limit for statutory deductions from a worker's wages shall not exceed 50%. Payment of overtime at double the normal rate will be mandatory for any work performed beyond regular working hours. It will be mandatory to provide a wage slip to workers prior to the payment of wages. Payment of outstanding dues to the nominee in the event of death....