Our Bureau
New Delhi
As per the reports there is news stating that over 25 crore government workers over various different sectors have decided to go on a strike this Wednesday, on July 9th. Government Workers from different sectors like banking, postal services, mining, construction, and transport have declared a nationwide general strike tomorrow calling it ‘Bharat Bandh’.
As these workers have announced a strike it is highly expected that there would be some disruptions across the country. However, it doesn’t mean that the schools and private offices will be closed and it is highly likely that they will remain open.
The nationwide general strike was called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions along with associated workers’ and farmers’ organisations. They have stated that this strike has been called to showcase their disapproval of the policies of the central government that allegedly have anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate agendas.
Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress has stated that Farmers and rural workers are also in support of the strike and will be joining them in protest all across the country. The union has alleged that the government is trying to weaken worker rights through economic and labour reforms. They added that these reforms are just worsening the job conditions in the name of ease of doing business.
The workers have made their demands clear stating that the government should halt the four labour codes. They have asked for restoration of their right to unionise and strike. They have asked for more job opportunities for the youth and new recruitment in government vacancies. The union has also asked the centre to increase the wages of MGNREGA and extend it to urban areas.
The organisations that will be part of the strike include – 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). Farmer’s groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha alongside various other rural worker unions.
