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The Print
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
‘Political parties hijacked general strike called by trade unions'
At a protest called by 10 central trade unions at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) president Harbhajan Singh Sidhu slammed the opposition parties, accusing them of not speaking up on workers' issues. The general strike was observed against the new Labour Codes and other issues on Wednesday, while Bihar witnessed a 'bandh' called by opposition parties against the ongoing SIR. New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) Political parties 'hijacked' the general strike called by trade unions by announcing a 'bandh' over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, a senior trade union functionary said on Wednesday. Singh said while they are fighting against the BJP-led Centre's policies, the INDIA opposition bloc has also not uttered a single word about the Labour Codes and other issues affecting workers. 'Some political parties hijacked our programme. They announced a bandh in Bihar, but did not say a word about us. If they had to do a 'Bihar bandh', they could have done it a few days later. The INDIA bloc has not spoken a word about us. Political parties should not have hijacked our strike, and if they were doing it, it should have been done for our demands,' he said. Meanwhile, All India Trade Union Congress general secretary Amarjeet Kaur said the general strike saw action across the country and there was a 'bandh-like situation' in Puducherry, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha and Karnataka. She said more than 25 crore people participated in the 'rasta roko' and 'rail roko' programmes all over the country — in the formal and informal sectors, public sector enterprises and industrial areas. 'There was a very large mobilisation in rural India by informal-sector workers, agricultural labourers and farmers. The rank and file of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and a joint front of agricultural labour unions played a significant role in the mobilisation,' Kaur said. She accused the Centre of pushing states to bring laws that are there in the Labour Codes. 'The trade unions are very clear. Whether it is a state government or the Union government, our labour laws — that we won after a 150-year struggle from the British period to independent India — we will not tolerate any attempt at taking away those rights,' Kaur said. 'The PMO is forcing state governments to implement labour codes in their state labour laws,' she alleged. INTUC vice-president Ashok Singh slammed the Centre for not holding the Indian Labour Conference (ILC), a key tripartite consultative body, for the last 10 years. CITU general secretary Tapan Sen said they are also opposed to the free-trade agreement with the United States, which is currently under negotiation. Rajiv Dimri of the AICCTU, meanwhile, raised the issue of migrant workers being impacted by the SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar. 'The Election Commission says, one should vote where they work, and in Delhi, their houses are being bulldozed,' Dimri said. In a statement, the trade unions said unions in coal, NMDC Ltd, other non-coal minerals such as copper, bauxite, aluminium, gold mines etc., steel, banks, LIC, GIC, petroleum, electricity, postal, grameen dak sevaks, telecom, tea plantations, jute mills, public transport, various types of transport in the private sector, besides state government employees in various sectors, observed the strike. They said defence sector employees held protest gate meetings for an hour in support of the strike and joined office only after that. The railway unions mobilised and participated in solidarity actions. The unions of construction, beedi, anganwadi, ASHA, mid-day meal, domestic workers, hawkers and vendors, home-based piece-rate workers and rickshaw, autorickshaw and taxi drivers were among those who participated in 'rasta roko' and 'rail roko' at several places. The statement added that this is 'the beginning of the prolonged battle in the days to follow'. The general strike was observed across the country on Wednesday to protest against the new Labour Codes and privatisation, and press for demands such as a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 and bringing back the old pension scheme. PTI AO RC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Bharat Bandh Alert: Over 25 crore workers to strike on Wednesday; Banks, transport, post offices and more sectors likely to be hit nationwide
Synopsis Over 25 crore Indian workers are set to strike nationwide on Wednesday, protesting the government's pro-corporate policies. Key sectors like banking, mining, and transport are expected to face disruptions as unions voice concerns over labor rights, privatization, and wage stagnation. Farmers and rural workers are also joining, amplifying the strike's impact against economic policies. 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's 'anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.'The 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. The unions say that the government is ignoring workers' concerns while pushing policies that benefit a statement, the union forum said preparations are already underway across formal and informal sectors. 'More than 25 crore workers are expected to join. Farmers and rural workers will also support the protest,' said Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union to Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the strike will likely affect: Banking and financial services Postal departments Coal mines and factories State transport Public sector enterprises Unions from NMDC Ltd, steel sector, non-coal minerals, and various state government departments have also announced their protesting unions say they had earlier submitted a 17-point demand charter to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, but no meaningful action has accuse the government of: Not conducting the annual labour conference for 10 years Trying to weaken trade unions through new labour codes Increasing working hours and reducing workers' rights Promoting privatisation and contractual jobs Ignoring demands for more recruitments and better wages Offering benefits to employers under ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) schemes, instead of solving youth unemployment The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers' unions are backing the strike. They plan to mobilise support in rural areas and raise voices against the government's economic decisions which, they say, are worsening unemployment, increasing prices, and reducing social welfare unions have carried out similar nationwide strikes in the past: November 26, 2020 March 28-29, 2022 February 16, 2023 This upcoming strike on Wednesday could be one of the largest yet, both in numbers and 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
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Power supply among public services likely to be hit today due to Bharat Bandh
Power supply in parts of India may be disrupted today as trade unions and farmers' groups observe a nationwide strike — Bharat Bandh — to protest against the government's alleged 'pro-corporate' and 'anti-worker policies.' The strike, called by a coalition of central trade unions, is also expected to impact banking services and public transport in several states. Bharat Bandh on July 9: Over 25 crore workers strike, power outages feared.(Representative image/HT Photo) Over 25 crore workers from various sectors have joined the Bharat Bandh strike protest against what they call the government's 'anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate' policies. 'We are demanding from the government to address unemployment, recruitments against sanctioned posts, creation of more jobs, increase in days and remuneration of MGNREGA workers, and enactment of similar legislation for urban areas,' the All India Trade Union Congress's Amarjeet Kaur said. Follow Bharat bandh live updates. Power supply likely to be disrupted India's power supply may face partial disruption as nearly 27 lakh electricity sector employees are participating in the Bharat Bandh today. Power grids in some regions are expected to be under pressure, especially in states with high union mobilisation. Also Read | Bharat Bandh: Over 25 crore workers expected to participate, public services likely to be hit on Wednesday 'The government continues to impose the four labour codes to weaken collective bargaining and favour employers,' said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha. Public transport to be affected In major cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru, public transportation services such as buses, taxis, and app-based ride platforms like Rapido or Uber are likely to be delayed or limited. Protest marches and road blockades are anticipated, particularly during peak commute hours. Also Read | Bharat Bandh today: What remains open and what shuts down | Full details Citizens have been advised to plan their travel in advance and check for local traffic advisories. Today's strike news indicates longer travel times and possible traffic diversions in several urban centres. Railways may see isolated protests While no official railway unions have declared participation, minor disruptions may occur due to Bharat Bandh protest strike demonstrations at or near railway stations. Localised delays and increased security at major junctions are expected, but a full-scale railway shutdown is not anticipated. Banking services take a hit Banking operations may be severely affected today. Employee groups from nationalised and private sector banks are supporting the Bharat Bandh trade unions strike India. ATM services, cheque clearances, and branch-level operations could face delays in many parts of the country. No closure for educational institutions Despite the widespread strike action, there has been no government advisory directing schools or colleges to close. Classes are expected to function normally. Why is Bharat Bandh being observed today? The Bharat Bandh on July 9 has been called by a coalition of central trade unions and farmers' organisations to protest against what they allege are the government's pro-corporate and anti-worker policies. The unions are opposing the four new labour codes, privatisation of public sector enterprises, contractualisation of jobs, and lack of employment opportunities. They also accuse the government of ignoring demands related to wage security, social welfare, and job creation, while pushing reforms that they claim favour large corporations over workers and farmers. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, along with a coalition of agricultural workers' unions, has backed the ongoing strike and announced plans for large-scale mobilisations in rural areas, according to union leaders. Similar nationwide strikes were previously held by trade unions on November 26, 2020, March 28–29, 2022, and February 16 last year. (With PTI inputs)
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Bharat Bandh today: What's open and what's closed across India today?
A nationwide ' Bharat Bandh ' has been called for Wednesday (July 9), by a joint platform of trade unions and farmers' organisations. The protest aims to oppose what they describe as the government's 'pro-corporate and anti-worker' policies. Sectors such as banking, transportation, electricity and others are expected to be affected. Bharat Bandh: What will remain open? Schools and colleges: Educational institutions are expected to remain open. No central or state authority has issued a closure notice. Unless instructed otherwise by local administrations, schools and colleges will function as usual. Railway services: The railways are not officially part of the strike. While train services are expected to run, there could be minor disruptions due to demonstrations near tracks or stations. In areas with strong union backing, there may be delays or increased security. Essential services: Key services like hospitals, emergency medical care, pharmacies, and utilities including electricity and water supply are expected to function without disruption. Shops and local markets: While most retail outlets and local vendors are likely to remain open, business activity may be slower due to reduced public movement and limited transport availability in areas observing the bandh. Bharat Bandh: Sectors likely to be affected Banks and insurance services: Banking operations could be affected. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), confirmed participation in the strike. 'More than 250 million workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country,' news agency PTI quoted Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) as saying. The insurance sector workers are also expected to join the strike, causing potential delays in services even though no formal holiday has been declared. Electricity supply: India's power sector may be disrupted due to the general strike. Over 2.7 million power sector workers are expected to join the strike. This could result in outages or service interruptions, especially in regions where trade unions are strong. Factories, coal mines, postal services: Operations in factories, coal mines, and postal services may be affected. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from the Hind Mazdoor Sabha told news agency PTI that state transport services will also face disruptions. Public transport and road travel: Commuters in several cities might face delays in public transport, including buses, taxis, and app-based cabs. Demonstrations, road blockades, and protest marches could lead to traffic jams and diversions, especially during peak hours. Kerala transport: In Kerala, the situation remains unclear. While state Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar said that KSRTC buses will run as usual, trade union leaders told PTI that a strike notice had already been given. This could lead to partial disruptions in bus services. Post offices and public transport: Disruptions are expected in postal services and government-operated transport. Staff from the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), state transport departments, and other public sector units are expected to join the bandh, impacting regular operations. Bharat Bandh on July 9: Why the strike? The strike is based on a 17-point list of demands that unions submitted to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. They allege that the government ignored their concerns and has not held the annual labour conference for the last 10 years. The protesting unions claim the four new labour codes weaken union powers, undermine collective bargaining rights, and extend work hours — moves they say favour corporations under the guise of improving the ease of doing business. Key demands from unions -Fill vacant government posts and create new jobs -Raise wages and increase work days under MGNREGA -Implement a similar scheme for urban workers -Stop privatisation of public sector enterprises -End use of contractual and casual labour -Scrap the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, which they argue benefits only employers The unions also accuse the government of policies that increase inflation, suppress wages, and reduce public spending on health, education, and basic services.
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Bharat Bandh Protest Live: Over 25 crore workers to join all India strike today as unions protest labour codes, price rise
09 Jul 2025 | 09:13:00 AM IST Bharat Bandh News Today Live: A coalition of ten central trade unions has announced a nationwide Bharat Bandh to protest what it calls the government's 'anti-worker and pro-corporate policies.' Over 25 crore workers, along with farmers and rural labourers, are expected to join. Banking, postal services, coal mining, factories, and state transport will be affected. Bharat Bandh News Today Live: A coalition of ten central trade unions and allied organisations has announced a nationwide general strike, or Bharat Bandh, to protest what it calls the government's 'anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies.'In a statement, the forum urged workers to make the strike 'a grand success' and said preparations are already underway across sectors in both the formal and informal economies.'All arrangements have been made in earnest. More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural labourers will also join protests across the country,' said Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union to Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the bandh is likely to impact banking, postal services, coal mining, factories, and state-run transport unions had earlier submitted a 17-point charter of demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, outlining issues ranging from wage security to social sector spending. However, they allege the government has failed to respond forum criticised the government for not convening the Indian Labour Conference for a decade and for pushing through four new labour codes that, according to union leaders, weaken collective bargaining rights, cripple union activities, and tilt power further towards employers under the banner of 'ease of doing business.''These policies are fuelling unemployment, driving up prices of essential goods, depressing wages, and cutting spending on health, education, and civic amenities,' the statement said. 'The result is widening inequality and increasing hardship for the poor, lower-income groups, and the middle class.'The unions further accused the government of abandoning the country's welfare-state commitments in favour of policies that benefit large Indian and foreign union leaders said they have been consistently resisting the privatisation of public sector enterprises and services, as well as what they describe as the rampant outsourcing, contractualisation, and casualisation of forum also reiterated its opposition to the four labour codes passed by Parliament, describing them as 'measures designed to suppress and cripple the trade union movement, increase working hours, strip away workers' right to collective bargaining and to strike, and decriminalise violations of labour laws by employers.' Show more
