25 Crore Workers to Join Bharat Bandh Against Labour Reforms, Privatisation

 A nationwide strike, ‘Bharat Bandh,’ is being organised by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions against what they call anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies of the government. Over 25 crore workers from diverse fields like banking, insurance, coal mining, postal, among others, will join the strike. It is estimated that the strike will severely affect various sectors such as banking, postal services, factories, and transport.

It is believed that farmers and rural sector workers will also join this nationwide strike. A member of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) shared that the strike wasn’t decided overnight—a month-long planning has gone into it. “The government has ignored our 17-point demand list and hasn’t even called the annual labour conference in the last 10 years,” the member added.

Sharing details behind the protest, the AITUC member stated that the new labour codes passed by Parliament have undermined workers’ rights—working hours have increased, penalties on employers have been shielded, and privatisation of public sector units and the growing use of contract workers are among the many concerns leading to the strike.

This protest is joined by rural workers and is thus expected to have a massive impact. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has supported the strike and plans to organise large protests in rural areas.

Strikes and worker protests have occurred periodically, with major ones previously held in 2024, 2022, and 2020. On Wednesday, public services across India, particularly in banks and transportation, are likely to be disrupted.