Bharat Bandh On July 9: What Are Trade Unions, Farmers' Groups Demanding?

Bharat Bandh is expected to paralyse several key sectors like banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services on Wednesday.

The unions claimed the four labour codes passed by Parliament are aimed at diluting workers' rights. (Representational image)

Source : PTI

India is bracing for a massive nationwide general strike on Wednesday, with over 25 crore workers from banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, and other sectors expected to walk off the job. The strike called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions has been dubbed a Bharat Bandh, aiming to protest against the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.”

The strike is expected to paralyse several key sectors. “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.

Intensive mobilisation has been underway for months in both formal and informal sectors, said Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC). Farmers and rural workers are also expected to join protests across the country.

What Are The Unions Demanding?

At the centre of the strike is a 17-point charter of demands submitted by the unions to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. These demands include the reversal of the four new labour codes, protection of employment, minimum wage guarantees, and restoration of the annual Indian Labour Conference, which has not been held for a decade.

In a joint statement, the unions claimed the four labour codes passed by Parliament are aimed at diluting workers' rights. They argue that the new laws weaken unionisation, allow longer working hours, decriminalise violations of labour laws by employers, and limit workers' ability to strike or bargain collectively.

"The government has abandoned the welfare state model and is pursuing policies that favour corporates—both Indian and foreign,” the statement said. The unions also opposed the ongoing privatisation and outsourcing of public sector enterprises and jobs.

This is not the first time trade unions have launched a general strike. Similar protests were observed on November 26, 2020; March 28-29, 2022; and February 16, 2023. Unions have pledged to continue their struggle until their demands are met.