By Martin Shwenk Leade
Public services likely to hit as over 25 crore workers set to go on nationwide strike on Wednesday
On Wednesday, more than 25 crore workers across India are expected to go on a nationwide general strike, or Bharat Bandh, in protest against what they call the government鈥檚 鈥渁nti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.鈥漈he strike has been called by a forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates, and is likely to disrupt services in key sectors such as banking, insurance, postal, coal mining, highways, construction, and even state transport across various states.What鈥檚 the Strike About?The unions say that the government is ignoring workers鈥 concerns while pushing policies that benefit corporates.In a statement, the union forum said preparations are already underway across formal and informal sectors. 鈥淢ore than 25 crore workers are expected to join. Farmers and rural workers will also support the protest,鈥 said Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress.Which Sectors Will Be Hit?According to Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the strike will likely affect:Live EventsBanking and financial servicesPostal departmentsCoal mines and factoriesState transportPublic sector enterprisesUnions from NMDC Ltd, steel sector, non-coal minerals, and various state government departments have also announced their participation.Why Are the Workers Protesting?The protesting unions say they had earlier submitted a 17-point demand charter to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, but no meaningful action has followed.They accuse the government of:Not conducting the annual labour conference for 10 yearsTrying to weaken trade unions through new labour codesIncreasing working hours and reducing workers鈥 rightsPromoting privatisation and contractual jobsIgnoring demands for more recruitments and better wagesOffering benefits to employers under ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) schemes, instead of solving youth unemploymentFarmers and Rural Workers Also Join InThe Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers鈥 unions are backing the strike. They plan to mobilise support in rural areas and raise voices against the government鈥檚 economic decisions which, they say, are worsening unemployment, increasing prices, and reducing social welfare spending.Previous StrikesTrade unions have carried out similar nationwide strikes in the past:November 26, 2020March 28-29, 2022February 16, 2023This upcoming strike on Wednesday could be one of the largest yet, both in numbers and impact.As the day approaches, disruptions across essential services are likely, and the protest could become a major moment in the ongoing debate over labour rights, job creation, and economic justice in India.Inputs from PTI(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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