Latest news with #BharatBandhProtest
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bharat Bandh Strike Protest: Why banks, buses and post offices may not run as usual tomorrow
On Wednesday, India will see what might be one of its biggest general strikes in years. Over 25 crore workers plan to stop work across banks, insurance, post, coal, construction and public transport. They're not just making noise — they're making a point. The strike, called Bharat Bandh , comes from a coalition of 10 major trade unions and their allies. They're furious with what they call the government's 'anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.' Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress put it bluntly: 'More than 25 crore workers are expected to join. Farmers and rural workers will also support the protest.' Bharat Bandh Strike: Where you'll feel It Expect queues at banks, delayed cheques, and slower loan clearances. If you're waiting for post, that might take a bit longer too. Coal miners, steel workers, factory staff, highway builders — many are joining in. State buses could run late or stop altogether if drivers and conductors walk out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from Hind Mazdoor Sabha warned that banking, postal, coal mining, factories and state transport would feel the brunt. Bengaluru, India's tech capital, is likely to be hit hard. With its heavy public sector presence, services could stall in pockets of the city. Many companies are already telling staff to work from home if they can. Live Events Bharat Bandh Protest: Schools, offices and power The Karnataka government hasn't declared a holiday for schools or colleges. Most private offices will stay open, but lower attendance is likely if buses stay off roads. App-based cabs and city buses should run, but delays are possible. Power cuts aren't expected but small local disruptions could happen as 27 lakh electricity workers back the protest. Bharat Bandh Protest: What's pushing workers to strike So what's behind this? In short: new labour codes and a list of old grievances. The unions say they handed Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya a 17-point charter ages ago. They claim the response was silence. At the heart of the matter are four new labour codes that unions believe will weaken job protections, stretch working hours, make strikes harder, and cripple collective bargaining. They accuse the government of putting corporate interests first. The forum's statement sums it up: 'The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates.' They're angry that India hasn't held its annual labour conference in a decade. They hate that retired staff are being rehired instead of young people, especially in the Railways, NMDC Ltd, steel, and education. With two-thirds of India under 35 and youth unemployment sky-high, that stings. They're also fuming about rising prices and falling social spending on basics like healthcare and education. Bharat Bandh: Farmers and rural workers add weight Backing them are the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other farm unions. They'll drum up support in rural belts, saying the same economic policies are pushing up prices and gutting welfare schemes. What are the demands for the Bharat Bandh? Their demands aren't small. They want the four labour codes scrapped. They want permanent jobs, not casual contracts. They want better wages for MGNREGA workers and similar schemes in cities. They want more spending on public health and schools. And they want the government to fill vacant posts with new hires, not retirees. Bharat Bandh News: Past strikes and state pushback This isn't new. Similar strikes rattled India on 26 November 2020, 28-29 March 2022, and 16 February 2023. Each time, the demands have stayed the same: protect workers, stop privatisation, keep the public sector strong. Some states are trying to stop it. In Tamil Nadu, the chief secretary has warned government staff not to join in or face disciplinary action under conduct rules. Banks and post might run slow. Coal, factories and transport could stutter. Schools will likely open, but if transport stalls, classrooms may sit half empty. Power blackouts are unlikely but not impossible. The bigger takeaway? India's workers and farmers are sending a loud message. They feel ignored and they're using the only power they believe they have left — the power to stop work. If you're in a big city, plan your day with this in mind. If you're a commuter, check twice before stepping out. This is about jobs, wages and how the country treats the people who keep it running. Watch this space.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bharat Bandh on July 9: 25 crore workers go on strike, here's what is open and closed tomorrow?
Bharat Bandh tomorrow: A massive Bharat Bandh has been called for July 9, 2025, with around 25 crore workers expected to participate. The nationwide strike is being led by 10 central trade unions, along with various farmer and rural workers' organisations. This large-scale protest is being organised to oppose the central government's policies, which unions claim are anti-worker and pro-corporate. Let's take a look at what's open and closed during the Bharat Bandh and how it might impact daily life. Why is Bharat Bandh Called on July 9, 2025? The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, has been announced by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions. These unions are unhappy with the government's labour and economic policies. According to the organisers, the strike is a response to the government's failure to address their 17-point list of demands, which was submitted last year to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. They accuse the government of ignoring workers' voices and pushing for reforms that weaken worker rights. Main Demands and Issues Behind the Bharat Bandh 2025 The unions claim that the government is: Ignoring their repeated calls for a fair labour policy Not holding the Indian Labour Conference for the past 10 years Introducing four labour codes that reduce union powers and increase working hours Promoting job outsourcing and contract-based work Pushing for privatisation of public services Failing to create enough public sector jobs Not increasing wages or tackling youth unemployment Farmers Join the Bharat Bandh Protest Alongside industrial workers, farmers' groups and rural labour unions like Samyukta Kisan Morcha have extended their support. According to the ET report, they plan to mobilise people in villages to protest rising prices and shrinking job opportunities. Their main concerns include: Unemployment is hitting rural areas hard Inflation is making essential goods expensive Cuts in health, education, and welfare spending Additional Concerns: Protests Over Rights and Democracy Union leaders have also raised serious concerns about: Misuse of constitutional institutions Harsh laws like the Public Security Bill in Maharashtra Attempts to remove migrant workers from voter lists in Bihar Threats to citizenship and democratic rights They believe the new labour laws will suppress the right to strike, reduce collective bargaining powers, and benefit big corporations instead of working people. Trade Unions Supporting the Bharat Bandh on July 9 Here are the major trade unions taking part in the Bharat Bandh 2025: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) What's Open and Closed on July 9, 2025? – Impact of Bharat Bandh Sectors Likely to be Affected The Bharat Bandh on July 9 may impact several key sectors, including: Public sector undertakings Banking and finance services Government departments Postal services Coal mining and heavy industries State-run transport services Workers from public sector units like NMDC, steel plants, and other government bodies have confirmed participation. While some banking unions have not formally announced their strike, the bandh organisers say that public sector banks and cooperative banks will likely be impacted. Services such as cheque clearances, cash deposits, and customer services may face delays. Schools, Offices & Transportation – What Will Remain Open? Schools, colleges, and most private offices are expected to remain open. However, due to the strike, transport services such as buses, autos, and app-based cabs may be disrupted in some areas. Traffic jams, road blockades, and delays are likely in cities where protests are being held. People are advised to plan their travel early, avoid unnecessary journeys, and stay updated with local advisories. Will Trains Be Running During Bharat Bandh? There is no official railway strike planned for July 9, 2025. But due to large-scale protests, train services may experience delays or route changes, especially in states where unions have strong support. In previous bandhs, protestors have gathered near railway stations and even blocked tracks. Security forces are expected to be deployed around major railway stations to avoid disruptions and ensure safe travel. Bharat Bandh 2025: Plan Ahead The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is expected to be a major strike across the country, with participation from workers, farmers, and labour groups. While essential services may remain open, disruptions in transport and banking are expected. If you need to travel or rely on public services on July 9, check local news and prepare for delays. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
