Bharat Bandh: The strike is likely to impact sectors like banking, postal services, coal mining, factories, and transport, causing major service disruptions.
Trade unions affiliated with Left parties are observing a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ on Wednesday, alleging that the central government is implementing economic reforms that undermine workers’ rights. The shutdown has been called by 10 central trade unions.
The protest is aimed at opposing what the groups allege are “pro-corporate and anti-worker” policies implemented by the government.
Over 25 crore workers across multiple sectors are expected to take part in the strike, which could significantly disrupt banking, transportation, and other key public services.
The call for the general strike comes from a joint forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates. These unions are protesting against labour law reforms, increased privatisation, and growing economic distress in rural areas. According to them, these policies are harming both workers and farmers.
In a statement, the union forum called for large-scale participation and noted that preparations were in full swing across both formal and informal sectors to ensure the strike’s “success”.
A central issue behind the strike is a 17-point demand charter submitted last year to Union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The strike is expected to cause widespread disruption in several industries. “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.
The unions backing the protest include prominent organisations such as the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), according to The Economic Times report.
The trade union also slammed the government’s economic policies, alleging they have caused rising unemployment, soaring prices of essential goods, falling wages, and cuts in spending on education, healthcare, and basic services. As part of the ‘Bharat Bandh’, unions are calling for recruitment to vacant sanctioned posts, an increase in MNREGA wages, and more guaranteed work days.
What’s open and what’s closed today?
Banking services likely to be hit: A bank employees’ group has confirmed that the banking sector will take part in the Bharat Bandh scheduled for Wednesday. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, which is affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), has publicly declared its support for the strike. Additionally, the insurance sector is also expected to join the protest. Although no official bank holiday has been announced, the participation of employees from these sectors is likely to cause disruptions in banking services across the country.
No closures announced for educational institutions: There has been no official directive mandating the closure of schools or colleges in connection with the Bharat Bandh. Educational institutions are expected to operate as usual on Wednesday. Unless specific instructions are issued by local authorities or individual managements, schools and colleges across the country will likely remain open and function without interruption.
Power supply may be affected: India’s electricity supply may face disturbances on July 9 due to the participation of a large number of power sector employees in the nationwide strike. Over 27 lakh workers from this sector are expected to join the Bharat Bandh, which could result in outages or disruptions in various parts of the country. The extent of the impact may vary by region, depending on union strength and local arrangements made by electricity boards.
Railways not on strike, but minor disruptions possible: While railway unions have not formally declared their involvement in the Bharat Bandh, there could still be indirect effects on train operations. Historically, such strikes have led to protestors staging demonstrations at or near railway stations and on tracks, especially in regions with a strong union presence. Members of Left-affiliated unions in West Bengal staged a protest against the central government’s “pro-corporate” policies by entering Jadavpur railway station and blocking tracks, despite heavy police presence. Although a complete railway shutdown is not anticipated, localised delays and heightened security at major transit points are likely.
Kerala transport could see partial impact: Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar stated that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would continue to operate its services on Wednesday, as no official strike notice had been received from the unions. However, sources from trade unions, according to PTI, challenged this claim, asserting that a strike notice had already been issued and that KSRTC workers would, in fact, join the nationwide protest. This disagreement could lead to partial disruptions in bus services across Kerala.
Public transport and road travel may face interruptions in several cities: In cities across the country, road transport services such as public buses, taxis, and app-based cabs may experience delays or limited availability due to protest marches and road blockades organised by trade unions and supporting organisations. These demonstrations are expected to impact local travel and delivery services, particularly during peak hours. Daily commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and anticipate possible traffic diversions and longer commute times.
Why was the strike announced?
The workers’ union forum criticised the government for not convening the annual labour conference for the past decade. It accused the administration of making decisions that go against the interests of workers, particularly by pushing for the implementation of four labour codes. According to the forum, these codes are intended “to weaken collective bargaining, to cripple unions’ activities and to favour employers in the name of ‘ease of doing business’.”
