A nationwide Bharat Bandh (India shutdown) has been announced for July 9. Ten major trade unions have called for this strike. It’s expected that around 250 million workers, farmers, and employees could join in. The strike may affect several sectors across the country.
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Why is this strike happening?
The unions say the government’s policies are anti-worker and in favor of big corporates. Last year, these unions had submitted a 17-point demand letter to the Labour Minister. But they claim the government didn’t take their concerns seriously. The anger is over several issues: changes in labor laws, more contract jobs, growing privatization, and ignoring new recruitment in public sector jobs.
An interesting point is that farmers’ groups have also backed this bandh. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers’ unions say government policies are making life harder in rural areas. That’s why farmers and farm workers are likely to join protests on the streets.
Which sectors may be affected?
Schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open. But public transport could face disruptions. Buses, taxis, and cab services may not run normally in some areas, making travel difficult. Rail employees haven’t officially announced a strike, but protests and roadblocks in different places might delay some train services.
Will banks be closed?
Banking unions haven’t directly announced a strike. However, organizers say that staff from some public sector and cooperative banks could join. This might affect banking services in a few places.
Which are these 10 trade unions?
The main unions part of the bandh are:
- 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 are their demands?
The unions want the Indian Labour Conference to be restarted. They demand a fresh look at the new labor codes to protect workers’ rights. They also ask for more government jobs, better pay, and real steps to tackle unemployment among youth.
It’s worth noting that after this year’s elections, the protests by workers’ groups have become louder. They feel the government should listen more to public concerns, especially as inflation and joblessness are rising.
In short, this Bharat Bandh is not just about workers but also highlights farmers’ and common people’s problems. On July 9, the impact of this nationwide strike could be visible in many parts of the country.
