A nationwide general strike, known as Bharat Bandh, is set to take place on Wednesday, July 9, involving over 25 crore workers from various government sectors such as banking, postal services, mining, construction, and transport. The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions in public services across India, although schools and private offices are anticipated to remain operational.

The Bharat Bandh has been called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions along with associated workers’ and farmers’ organizations. This collective action aims to protest against what they describe as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies implemented by the central government. The unions argue that recent economic and labor reforms have undermined worker rights, weakened collective bargaining power, and deteriorated job conditions under the guise of improving business efficiency.

Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress highlighted that farmers and rural workers will also participate in the protests nationwide. The grievances fueling this strike include labor policies perceived to harm worker protections, the introduction of four new labor codes that reduce rights such as collective bargaining and striking, rising unemployment and inflation, cuts in essential services like healthcare and education, and the recruitment of retirees over young job seekers. Additionally, there has been no labor conference in a decade, attempts to disenfranchise migrant workers, and a crackdown on protests through Public Security Bills.

Participants in the Bharat Bandh span both formal and informal sectors. Key organizations involved include the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). Support also comes from farmers’ groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha, rural worker unions, and public sector employees from railways, NMDC Ltd., and steel industries.

The demands of the striking workers include halting the implementation of the four labor codes, restoring rights to unionize and strike, creating more job opportunities especially for youth (with 65% of India’s population under 35), filling government vacancies with new recruits, increasing MGNREGA wages while expanding it to urban areas, and strengthening public health, education, and civic services.

The Bharat Bandh is expected to affect several sectors including banking and insurance services, postal operations, coal mining and industrial production, state-run public transport, government offices, and public sector units. Farmer-led rallies are also anticipated in rural areas. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha noted that banking, postal services, coal mining operations, factories, and state transport services will likely be disrupted due to the strike. However, schools and colleges will remain open along with private offices functioning normally. While train services are not confirmed to be on strike, potential delays are expected.