New Delhi: Major trade unions in India are gearing up for a nationwide strike on July 9. This protest, known as the ‘Bharat Bandh,’ is aimed at opposing government policies seen as harmful to workers and favoring big corporations.
The strike is expected to disrupt vital sectors like banking, insurance, and construction. More than 250 million workers are anticipated to participate. Farmers’ organizations and rural labor groups have also pledged their support, showing a united front against what they call anti-labor actions.
Many well-known trade unions are involved, including the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC). They argue that the government’s approach weakens labor rights and job security. Issues like the privatization of public services and increased temporary employment leave workers vulnerable.
Experts warn that ongoing policies not only threaten job stability but also risk pushing many into economic hardship. Interestingly, it has been a decade since the last Indian Labour Conference, a crucial platform for discussing worker issues. Its absence has allowed significant decisions to be made without input from labor representatives.
In addition to trade unions, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and various agricultural labor unions have also voiced their support for the upcoming strike, highlighting a growing consensus among different labor groups.
This strike reflects a broader trend of workers across various sectors standing together. Recent surveys indicate that dissatisfaction with job security is on the rise, with many workers feeling marginalized. As labor movements gain momentum, the Bharat Bandh aims to bring attention to these pressing concerns and reignite discussions about workers’ rights in India.
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