Join the Bharat Bandh on July 9: 25 Crore Workers Unite Against Anti-Worker, Anti-Farmer Policies!

A nationwide strike called ‘Bharat Bandh’ is set for July 9. Over 25 crore workers are expected to join in, united against what they see as the government’s harmful policies towards workers and farmers.

Ten central trade unions are spearheading this movement. They’re asking workers from all sectors to take part, with preparations already underway. Key sectors like banking, insurance, mining, and construction are predicted to feel the impact.

Farmers and rural workers are also on board, raising the stakes for public services across the country. The participating unions include names like the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), among others.

Union leaders from various sectors have confirmed their support. They claim they’re protesting the privatization of public enterprises and the casualization of jobs, which they believe undermines workers’ rights. Last year, they presented 17 demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, but say the government has taken little action.

Some of these demands focus on tackling unemployment, filling job vacancies, and improving working conditions through initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The unions express frustration that the annual labour conference hasn’t happened in a decade while policies continue to disregard worker needs.

The unions are particularly critical of four new labour codes. They argue these codes threaten to erode workers’ rights, make it easier for employers to ignore labour laws, and extend working hours. This situation, they say, contributes to a growing divide between economic classes, striking hardest at the poor and middle class.

Recent data shows that inflation has been a significant issue, with essential goods becoming less affordable for many. The rising cost of living is intensifying the struggles faced by low-income families. Trade unions assert that migrant workers are especially vulnerable, pointing to electoral roll revisions in Bihar that they fear could disenfranchise them.

Support for the bandh is also coming from agricultural workers’ unions, indicating broad solidarity across sectors. This strike is not an isolated incident; it follows previous protests in late 2020 and early 2022, reflecting ongoing discontent among workers.

As these unions rally for their rights, the July 9 bandh will spotlight significant issues affecting millions. It’s a reminder that when workers unite, their voices can resonate powerfully against government actions.

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Bharat Bandh