More than 25 crore workers across India will go on strike this Wednesday. The strike, called by a joint forum of ten major trade unions, aims to protest the central government’s labour and economic policies.
Workers Across Sectors Join Hands
To begin with, the strike will affect major services such as banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, and transport. Workers from both formal and informal sectors will participate.
According to Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC, “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country.”
Widespread Disruption Expected
As a result, key public services and industries are likely to be severely disrupted. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha said, “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike.”
Why Are Workers Protesting?
At the core of the protest lies a 17-point charter of demands submitted last year to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Since then, the government has not responded. Moreover, it has not held the annual labour conference in the last ten years. Unions view this as proof of the Centre’s lack of concern for workers.
Strong Opposition to Labour Codes
Furthermore, the trade unions are opposing the four new labour codes. They believe these codes reduce workers’ rights and weaken collective bargaining. They also increase working hours and protect employers from punishment for labour law violations.
In a joint statement, the forum said, “The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and it is so evident from its policies being pursued vigorously.”
Protest Against Privatisation and Outsourcing
In addition, the unions criticised the government for pushing privatisation, outsourcing, and casual employment in public services. They argued that these moves threaten job security and dignity of labour.
The forum also warned that the new labour codes are meant to, “suppress and cripple the trade union movement… snatch workers’ right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers.”
Farmers Extend Full Support
Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other farmer unions have backed the strike. They plan to organise large mobilisations in rural areas.
Union leaders believe this united action between workers and farmers will make the protest stronger and harder to ignore.
Not the First National Strike
Finally, it is worth noting that this is not the first time unions have organised such a strike. Earlier strikes took place on November 26, 2020, March 28–29, 2022, and February 16, 2023. However, the government has not made any major concessions so far.
