Bharat Bandh Today: 25 Crore Workers Strike Against ‘Anti-Worker, Pro-Corporate’ Policies

India is witnessing a massive nationwide shutdown today, as over 25 crore workers from various sectors participate in a joint strike called by a platform of 10 central trade unions. The coordinated action, supported by farmers’ groups and rural workers’ unions, aims to protest against what they describe as the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies.

The one-day general strike—referred to as Bharat Bandh—is expected to disrupt essential public services including banking, insurance, postal operations, transport, power supply, and public sector industries.

What’s Affected

According to organizers, several core sectors will be impacted:

• Banking and Insurance: Operations across nationalized and some private banks are likely to be severely affected. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association and the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) have confirmed participation. ATM services may also face disruptions.
• Postal Services: Employees from postal departments are on strike, leading to delays in mail and courier services.
• Public Transport: State-run buses and public transportation in various states may be suspended or limited, depending on regional participation.
• Coal Mining and Industrial Units: Workers from mining, steel, and other industries—including NMDC Ltd—have joined the protest, halting industrial production in several areas.
• Electricity Supply: With over 27 lakh power sector employees expected to participate, electricity generation and distribution in some regions may be affected.
• Government Offices and PSUs: Operations in central and state government offices, as well as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), may be partially disrupted.

What’s Likely to Function

• Schools and Colleges: Educational institutions are expected to remain open in most areas, though attendance may be affected.
• Private Offices and Corporates: Private sector workspaces are largely operational, though employee turnout may vary.
• Rail Services: No official strike notice has been issued by railway unions, but minor delays and localized disruptions are possible due to protests around railway stations.

The Demands

The protest centers around the trade unions’ strong opposition to the four labour codes passed by Parliament. Unions claim these codes:

• Make it harder for workers to unionize and strike.
• Increase working hours beyond acceptable limits.
• Relax penalties on employers violating labour rights.
• Weaken job security by allowing excessive contractual and outsourced hiring.

In addition, the unions are demanding:

• A rollback of public sector privatization.
• Restoration of the old pension scheme.
• Protection against inflation and unemployment.
• Strengthening of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farmers.
• Regularization of scheme and contract workers.

Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), stated, “Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country. The government has ignored our 17-point demand list and hasn’t even called the annual labour conference in the last 10 years.”

Participating Organisations

The strike is being spearheaded by the following central trade unions:

• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
• Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
• Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
• Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
• United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Support has also come from:

• Samyukta Kisan Morcha (farmer coalition that led the 2021 farmers’ protests)
• Informal sector unions and rural worker groups
• Employees from Railways, steel industries, and PSUs

A History of Resistance

This is not the first time India has witnessed such massive labour action. Similar general strikes were held in 2020, 2022, and 2024, each involving tens of millions of workers demanding labour rights, policy reforms, and a halt to privatization. These movements have gained traction among both organized and unorganized sectors, creating a broad coalition of resistance.

Nationwide Impact

With participation cutting across industrial belts, rural areas, and urban centres, today’s Bharat Bandh marks one of the largest coordinated strikes in recent years. While the government has not officially responded, the growing frequency and scale of such protests suggest deepening discontent among India’s working population.

As the day unfolds, the extent of disruptions and the government’s response could shape future policy decisions, especially ahead of upcoming elections and legislative sessions.

IT.