NEW DELHI: A major nationwide strike has been called for Wednesday, with central trade unions expecting participation from over 25 crore workers across multiple sectors. The strike, backed by several rural and agricultural labour groups, is a protest against government policies that, unions say, favour large corporations while marginalising workers, farmers, and the economically vulnerable.
Why Are Workers Taking to the Streets?
The striking unions have expressed strong discontent with a range of government decisions. One of their main grievances is the increasing recruitment of retired personnel in various government departments — including the Railways, NMDC Ltd, the steel industry, and the education sector — instead of creating opportunities for young professionals. This trend is seen as especially concerning in a country where over 65% of the population is below 35 and youth unemployment is alarmingly high, particularly among those aged 20 to 25.
Bharat Bandh: 10 Key Points to Know
- Massive Participation Expected:
Over 25 crore people from organised and unorganised sectors are anticipated to join the strike. A significant turnout is expected from rural workers and farmers. - Multiple Trade Unions Involved:
Leading the strike are major trade union bodies such as INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC. These unions have united to protest what they describe as anti-labour and pro-corporate government policies. - Opposition to New Labour Codes:
The unions have voiced strong objections to the recently introduced labour codes, which they claim undermine workers’ rights. According to them, the new laws could increase working hours, weaken job security, and make it more difficult to unionise or call strikes. - Demands for Employment and Welfare:
The protesters are calling for an increase in government job opportunities, higher wages under the MGNREGA scheme, more workdays, and the introduction of a similar employment guarantee programme for urban workers. - 17-Point Charter Ignored:
Trade union leaders say they submitted a comprehensive 17-point demand list to the Union Labour Ministry but have not received a meaningful response. - Banking Sector Impact Uncertain:
While July 9 is not marked as a holiday by the Reserve Bank of India and banks are technically expected to function, services may still be affected if a significant number of banking employees choose to join the strike. - Stock Markets Remain Open:
Stock exchanges will operate as usual, with no scheduled trading holiday on the day of the bandh. - Educational and Government Institutions Open:
Schools, colleges, and most government offices are expected to remain open, as no official orders have been issued for closures. - Public Transport Could Be Hit:
Bus, train, and other public transport services may face disruptions in several regions. Past bandhs have led to delays for office-goers and students, particularly in areas with strong union presence. Some schools may also take last-minute decisions depending on local developments. - History of Similar Strikes:
This is not the first such protest. Trade unions have held large-scale strikes on multiple occasions, including on November 26, 2020; March 28–29, 2022; and February 16, 2024. Previous demonstrations have focused on issues such as privatisation of public sector units, contract-based employment, and threats to job security.
As the day unfolds, the extent of the bandh’s impact will become clearer, particularly in states with a strong presence of organised labour. Commuters and daily wage workers may face significant hurdles, depending on the level of participation and local responses to the strike.
