India is gearing up for a major general strike on February 12, 2026. Workers from various sectors, including agriculture and informal jobs, are coming together to voice their issues. The strike is backed by 14 national trade unions and includes support from Central and State Civil Services, teachers, and independent unions.
A Call from the Unions
Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, estimates that about 30 crore workers will join the protest, which is a significant increase from the 25 crore workers who participated in a similar strike last July.
Why Strike?
Workers are demanding several changes, including:
- Repeal of recent Labour Codes
- Restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- Reversal of policies that may weaken Civil Services
- Restoration of the old pension scheme
- Withdrawal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Farmers are also raising concerns about potential impacts from the India-US interim trade framework, fearing it may harm their livelihoods.
Expected Impact
The strike is anticipated to disrupt daily life in around 600 districts. States like Odisha and Assam may experience a complete shutdown, while others could face significant interruptions in banking, public transport, and government services. Essential services like hospitals and ATMs will remain operational.
Schools and Colleges
Though there’s no official closure directive for schools, many in states with strong union support, like Kerala and West Bengal, may close down.
Banking Disruptions
Major banking organizations, including the All India Bank Employees’ Association, are participating in the strike. This means public banking services might see disruptions, affecting daily transactions and operations.
Recent Trends
The support for this strike reflects a growing discontent among workers in India. In recent years, labor protests have increased, indicating a rising awareness about workers’ rights. According to a 2023 survey by the Labour Bureau, 65% of workers feel that their rights are not adequately protected.
This upcoming strike is more than just a labor action; it’s a reflection of the collective voice of millions of Indian workers seeking fairness and security in their jobs.
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