More than 25 crore people associated with trade unions and farmers’ organizations will go on a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against the new labor laws and privatization. Services like banking, postal services and public sector companies are likely to be shut down due to the strike by employees.
Labor organizations have announced to go on a nationwide strike to build pressure on the government over demands like increasing the minimum monthly wage to Rs 26 thousand and restoring the old pension scheme. The general strike could disrupt services in sectors such as banking, insurance, postal, coal mining, highways and construction, a labour union official said on Tuesday.
Regional organisations like Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and NREGA Sangharsh Morcha have also extended their support to the strike. Central trade unions like CITU, INTUC and AITUC are pressing for the repeal of four labour codes, privatisation of PSUs, abolition of contract system, raising minimum wages to Rs 26,000 per month along with the demands of farmers’ unions for MSP and loan waiver.
However, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has said that it will not take part in the general strike, calling it politically motivated. Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) national secretary A R Sindhu said that around 25 crore workers, including those from the organised and unorganised sectors, are expected to participate in the general strike. Sindhu said that protests will be held in industrial areas during this period.
According to trade unions, more than 25 crore workers may join the strike. This strike may also get support from farmers and rural workers.