Nationwide strike disrupts services as Trade Unions protest labour laws
New Delhi, July 9: A nationwide strike was observed across India on Wednesday, as thousands of workers, trade unions, and farmers staged protests against what they called the Centre’s "anti-labour, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies.
The day-long general strike—called ‘Bharat Bandh’—was led by a joint platform of ten major central trade unions, drawing participation from farmer bodies and rural workers' groups. Protest actions disrupted key services including banking, postal delivery, transport, coal mining, and industrial operations in several parts of the country.
The protest was sparked by opposition to the four labour codes enacted by Parliament, which unions say weaken protections for workers, allow longer working hours, restrict the right to strike, and erode employer accountability.
Prominent unions participating included the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), and Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), among others. Public sector workers from NMDC, Railways, and the steel industry also joined in.
In Bihar, the strike coincided with a protest against alleged irregularities in the revision of voter rolls. Demonstrations in Patna led to road blockades and burning of tyres. CPI(ML) MLA Amarjeet Kushwaha accused the BJP-led Centre of “conspiring through the Election Commission” to exclude marginalised communities from the electoral process. RJD’s Premchand Yadav said the state had come to a virtual standstill.
Elsewhere, Odisha witnessed picketing and rail blockades, particularly in Berhampur, while trade union members in West Bengal disrupted local train services in Jadavpur and held rallies in Howrah.
In Puducherry, the strike led to a complete shutdown, with public transport suspended and educational institutions closed. The agitation, backed by the INDIA bloc, was held under a 21-point charter demanding, among other things, the repeal of the new labour codes and enhanced job opportunities for youth.
Punjab saw a separate but connected three-day strike launched by contract employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC. Protests were held outside the Pathankot depot.
The strike did not significantly impact private sector operations, schools, or long-distance railway services, which largely remained functional.
Trade unions said the strike is part of a broader struggle to resist labour reforms they claim threaten job security and workers' rights. Similar nationwide shutdowns were held in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
