Poonam Nath

Bharat Bandh: More than 25 crore workers to join strike today, bank & other services may get disrupted

Digital Desk: A coalition of approximately ten central trade unions has called for a statewide 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday (July 9), with support from many farmers' organisations.

The walkout is intended to oppose what organizers describe as the Centre's "pro-corporate" policies, which they allege have undercut labor rights, ignored rural concerns, and increased socioeconomic inequities.

Over 25 crore workers from both formal and informal sectors are expected to participate, causing substantial disruptions in public services.

Demonstrations are expected to occur in industrial regions, rural belts, and major state capitals, raising worries about the operation of key services.

The operations of public sector banks and insurance companies may come to a halt.

Coal and mineral extraction, especially in resource-rich states, may be affected.

Postal services are likely to be affected, State-run transportation services, particularly in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, may be partially or completely suspended, Construction and infrastructure projects, particularly those managed by the NHAI, may experience delays.

Workers in critical industries such as steel, electricity, telecom, and oil and gas are also expected to join the walkout.

The protestor participating in the protest are-

• 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)
• United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

The supporting groups are as follows-

• Farmers' groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha
• Rural worker unions
• Public sector staff from Railways, NMDC Ltd, and steel industries

The trade unions' objection to Parliament's four new labour regulations is central to the protest.

The trade unions believe that the four new labor standards harm workers' rights by making it more difficult to strike, extending working hours, and exempting employers from sanctions for violating labor laws.

They are also protesting the privatization of public sector units, employment outsourcing, and the use of contract workers, which they say endangers job security and decent wages.