NEW DELHI: The central trade unions have announced a nationwide strike for Wednesday, with over 25 crore workers from various sectors expected to participate.The strike is also supported by several rural and agricultural labour organisations. The unions say they are protesting against government policies that help big businesses but hurt workers, farmers, and the poor.
Why are workers protesting?
The unions also claimed that government departments were increasingly hiring retired personnel instead of young professionals, citing examples from the Railways, NMDC Ltd, the steel sector, and education services. They argue this trend is harmful in a country where 65 percent of the population is under 35, and unemployment is highest among those aged 20 to 25.
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Bharat Bandh : Here are 10 things to know –
- The organisers expect more than 25 crore people across various sectors to take part in the bandh. This includes workers from both organised and unorganised sectors, with strong participation expected from farmers and rural workers as well.
- The unions leading the strike include INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC. These unions have come together to raise concerns about the government’s labour and economic policies.
- In defiance of police presence, members of Left party unions entered West Bengal’s Jadavpur railway station and blocked railway tracks as part of their protest against the central government’s “pro-corporate” policies. The unions also organised a foot march through the area.
- A large police deployment was seen near the Jadavpur 8B bus stand, where both private and state-run buses continued to operate despite the ‘Bharat Bandh’. Many bus drivers were spotted wearing helmets as a safety precaution.
- They are especially critical of the new labour codes, which they claim will weaken workers’ rights, extend working hours, and make it harder to form unions or go on strike.
- They are also demanding more government jobs, an increase in
MGNREGA Wages and workdays, and similar employment schemes for urban areas. The unions have submitted a 17-point demand list to the Labour Minister, but they say there has been no serious response from the government.
- Banks are expected to remain open, as July 9 is not a holiday listed by the Reserve Bank of India. However, banking services could still be disrupted if bank workers join the strike.
- On the other hand, stock markets will function as usual, and there is no scheduled trading holiday.
- Schools, colleges, and government offices are expected to remain open as well. No official closure has been announced.
- However, public transport services may be affected in many regions, which could lead to delays for commuters, students, and office-goers. In past strikes, participation levels varied by location, and some areas saw last-minute announcements affecting school operations.
- This is not the first time the trade unions have organised such a protest. Similar strikes were held on November 26, 2020, March 28–29, 2022, and February 16, 2024, focusing on issues like privatisation of public sector units, job insecurity, and the casualisation of the workforce.
Also read | Bharat Bandh 2025: Will schools, colleges & govt offices be closed on July 9?
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