The Indian workforce is gearing up for a significant nationwide strike on February 12, 2025. This event, backed by various unions, involves agricultural, rural, and informal workers joining forces.
Fourteen national trade unions are organizing this strike, alongside members of Central and State Civil Services, as well as public sector workers and independent unions. Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, mentioned that they expect participation from around 30 crore (300 million) workers this time. In comparison, about 25 crore participated in the last strike on July 9, 2025.
So, why this strike? Workers are demanding the repeal of four controversial labour codes. They’re also calling for the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and a rollback of policies seen as undermining Civil Services. Other demands include the revival of the old pension scheme and the withdrawal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Farmers’ organizations are particularly concerned about how the India-US interim trade framework may negatively impact their livelihoods.
According to Kaur, the strike will affect approximately 600 districts this year, an increase from around 550 last year. States like Odisha and Assam are expected to completely shut down, while other regions will experience significant disruptions.
Banking operations, transport services, and government offices are likely to feel the impact. However, essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, and airports will still operate. Schools and colleges do not have an official nationwide holiday, but institutions in states like Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal might close due to strong local strike support. Parents are advised to check with local authorities for updates.
For those who rely on public transport, expect potential road blockades, known as “chakka jams,” and disruptions in state-operated buses and auto-rickshaws. Train services and flights may run as scheduled, but getting to stations and airports could be challenging. Wholesale and retail markets are also expected to shut down in regions with significant union presence.
In banking, major employee organizations like the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) are taking part in the protests, which may affect public banking services.
Strikes like this are not new to India. Historical context shows that significant protests have often catalyzed change. For example, past strikes addressed pressing labor issues and led to policy reforms. In today’s digital age, social media may amplify the strike’s impact, with hashtags and trending topics drawing public attention. Recent surveys indicate a growing concern among the population about labor rights and economic policies.
Overall, this strike reflects deep-rooted issues within India’s workforce and reveals a collective stance against policies perceived as detrimental to workers and farmers. As the date approaches, the nation eagerly anticipates how this demonstration will unfold and its potential repercussions.
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