Bharat Bandh Alert: Over 25 crore workers to strike on Wednesday; Banks, transport, post offices and more sectors likely to be hit nationwide

On Wednesday, more than 25 crore workers across India are expected to go on a nationwide general strike, or Bharat Bandh, in protest against what they call the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.”

The strike has been called by a forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates, and is likely to disrupt services in key sectors such as banking, insurance, postal, coal mining, highways, construction, and even state transport across various states.

What’s the Strike About?

The unions say that the government is ignoring workers’ concerns while pushing policies that benefit corporates.

In a statement, the union forum said preparations are already underway across formal and informal sectors. “More than 25 crore workers are expected to join. Farmers and rural workers will also support the protest,” said Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress.

Which Sectors Will Be Hit?

According to Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the strike will likely affect:

• Banking and financial services
• Postal departments
• Coal mines and factories
• State transport
• Public sector enterprises

Unions from NMDC Ltd, steel sector, non-coal minerals, and various state government departments have also announced their participation.

Why Are the Workers Protesting?

The protesting unions say they had earlier submitted a 17-point demand charter to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, but no meaningful action has followed.

They accuse the government of:

• Not conducting the annual labour conference for 10 years
• Trying to weaken trade unions through new labour codes
• Increasing working hours and reducing workers’ rights
• Promoting privatisation and contractual jobs
• Ignoring demands for more recruitments and better wages
• Offering benefits to employers under ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) schemes, instead of solving youth unemployment

Farmers and Rural Workers Also Join In

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers’ unions are backing the strike. They plan to mobilise support in rural areas and raise voices against the government’s economic decisions which, they say, are worsening unemployment, increasing prices, and reducing social welfare spending.

Previous Strikes

Trade unions have carried out similar nationwide strikes in the past:

• November 26, 2020
• March 28-29, 2022
• February 16, 2023

This upcoming strike on Wednesday could be one of the largest yet, both in numbers and impact.

As the day approaches, disruptions across essential services are likely, and the protest could become a major moment in the ongoing debate over labour rights, job creation, and economic justice in India.

Inputs from PTI