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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bharat Bandh sees labourers & farmers gather to protest
New Delhi: On a humid Wednesday afternoon at Jantar Mantar, some students stood quietly while the song "Sirf Kehne Ko Nahi Hai Hindustan Hamara" echoed softly. At Delhi's most well-known protest site, a few hundred people had gathered — labourers, farmers, and some children. The reason for their congregation was the All-India Labour Strike on July 9. Ten unions have sounded their support. The Bharat Bandh was for protesting what participants described as govt policies favouring corporations over workers and farmers. The ten unions that supported the strike are the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi At Jantar Mantar, when the students were asked if they had not missed school for being at the protest, one of them grinned. "We are accompanying our mothers," he said, and pointed to the daily-wage labourers of Batla House. Among them was 70-year-old Shakuntala of HMS. She was sitting with her grandson. "I work as a daily-wage labourer in a factory, making handmade envelopes. For 1,000 envelopes a day, I earn a meagre Rs 50. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo I've come here today so that my grandchildren won't have to endure the same struggle," she said. Ram Singh, a 71-year-old farmer from Mathura, was there wearing his Kisaan Mahasabha cap. When asked what had brought him to the protest, he spoke about the challenges farmers like him faced. "Many farmers lack financial security as we still depend on informal sources of credit. Another pressing issue is the problem of stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh. With already low productivity, the damage caused by the animals eating our crops makes our situation worse. " Union leaders at the site addressed the 17-point charter submitted to the labour ministry under Union minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya. Among the protesters was Hriday Kumar (65) from Jaunpur. "The strike's call compelled me to join. I've worked in a factory for 15 years on the same wage — not a rupee raised. I wasn't politically active before, but I've decided to step up for my children's future," he said. A cluster of students sang songs honouring Bhagat Singh. Arvind Singh from Baliya stood out for his precise tambourine beats. "This movement is new to me, but playing the dafli has been a childhood passion. People may see it as political, but for me, it's a way to express what I can't say aloud," he said. Among the younger attendees was 27-year-old Shilpi Negi, a bank employee who had her five-year-old daughter with her. Though not active in the All-India Bank Employees Association, she said, "Even in the formal banking sector, we face serious challenges such as inadequate staffing and unfilled vacancies. There's also the looming threat of privatisation, which govt frequently keeps talking about. To be honest privatisation is one of the reasons why I am here today. " Harish Chandra Pant, who was in his 80s, had come from Uttarakhand. A CITU flag rested on his shoulder. Asked what keeps him involved in the movement, he said: "The issues faced by the poor labour class haven't really changed. That's the saddest reality. I've been part of the labour movement since the 1960s. It's disheartening that even now, I'm still fighting for basic rights, like better wages and more workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). "
NDTV
09-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Bharat Bandh Called By Trade Unions Today: What's Open, What's Closed
New Delhi: Over 25 crore workers from government sectors such as banking, postal services, mining, construction, and transport have called a nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, today. Here Are 10 Points On Bharat Bandh: A joint forum of 10 central trade unions, along with associated workers' and farmers' organisations, has gone on nationwide strike (Bharat Bandh) to register their disapproval of the "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies of the central government. The forum has claimed that 25 crore workers have been mobilised for the "general strike" in protest against the new labour codes, along with other issues. The unions allege the government is pushing economic and labour reforms that weaken worker rights, suppress collective bargaining, and worsen job conditions, all in the name of ease of doing business. The unions' demands include doing away with the four labour codes, contractualisation, privatisation of PSUs, increasing minimum wages to Rs 26,000 per month, as well as the demands of farmer organisations for minimum support price for crops based on Swaminathan commission's formula of C2 plus 50 per cent, and loan waiver for farmers. Workers from the formal and informal sectors are joining the strike, including 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). Farmers' groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha, rural worker unions, and public sector staff from Railways, NMDC Ltd, and steel industries have also announced their support. A member of the union said the Bharat Bandh will affect the banking, postal, and electricity services. She also said that copper and coal mining will be hit, while the impact will also be felt on public transport in several states. Train operations are also likely to be affected due to the countrywide strike. Schools and colleges, however, will remain open, and private offices will function as usual.
India.com
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Bharat Bandh Today: 10 Trade Unions Strike – Understanding Their Key Demands, Labour Code Issues
A nationwide "Bharat Bandh" (India Shutdown) is underway today. Ten central trade unions and their allied organisations have called this strike. They are protesting against the government's alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies. This has led to significant disruptions in essential services. Banking, postal services, coal mining, public transport, and government operations are likely to be impacted. There may also be delays in train services and interruptions in power supply. Union officials said that farmers and rural workers are joining the demonstrations across the country. They accused the government of ignoring their 17-point list of demands and not holding the annual labor conference for the past ten years. Concerns about the government's alleged misuse of constitutional institutions to criminalise public movements have been raised. They cite new public security bills in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Unions also claim there are attempts to take away citizens' rights. Here's a summary of the key demands and issues driving today's "Bharat Bandh": 17-Point Demands & Nationwide Strike: Trade unions submitted a 17-point list of demands to the central government, which they said has been overlooked. In response, around 250 million workers are participating in today's "Bharat Bandh." Objections To Four New Labour Codes: Unions strongly opposed the four new Labour Codes. They argued that these weaken the right to strike, increase working hours, protect employers from penalties, and limit the power of trade unions. They want these codes repealed, claiming they will weaken unions, extend working hours, promote contractual jobs, encourage privatisation, and ignore the need for more public sector hiring and salary increases while failing to tackle youth unemployment. Key Organisations Leading The Strike: Prominent central trade unions are leading the strike. These included the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). They are supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and various rural labor organisations. Protest Against Government Policies: Unions claim that the government's policies weaken laborers, marginalize farmers, and mainly benefit corporations. They point to cuts in social sector spending, declining wages, and a worsening employment crisis as worsening conditions. Electricity Companies' Privatisation: Trade unions argued that privatising electricity distribution and production will threaten job security, wages, and stability for both workers and consumers. Migrant Workers' Rights: There are concerns about a special revision of voter lists in Bihar, with allegations that it aimed to restrict migrant workers' voting rights and infringe upon their political rights. Rising Unemployment And Inflation: The government is accused of halting new hiring, bringing back retired personnel, and failing to create jobs for young people. Meanwhile, prices of essential goods have risen significantly, leading to greater social inequality. Major Demands Outlined: Unions are calling for: Starting recruitment in the public sector. Stopping privatisation, outsourcing, and contract work. Repealing all four Labour Codes. Increasing wages and workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Implementing a program for the urban unemployed. Boosting government spending on education, health, and the public distribution system (ration). Focus On Minimum Wage And Pension: A key demand is setting the minimum monthly wage at Rs 26,000 and reinstating the Old Pension Scheme. They also seek a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farm products and loan waivers for farmers. History Of Large-Scale Protests: This "Bharat Bandh" is not an isolated event. Similar nationwide strikes were held by trade unions on November 26, 2020, March 28-29, 2022, and February 16 last year. Millions of workers took part in these protests, calling for pro-labour policies and the withdrawal of controversial economic reforms.
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Bharat Bandh 9 July: What's open, what's closed? Will schools, banks, offices, train services be affected as 25 cr workers go on strike tomorrow?
Synopsis Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: A nationwide strike, "Bharat Bandh," is scheduled for July 9, 2025, organized by trade unions and farmer groups protesting pro-corporate and anti-worker government policies. The strike anticipates participation from over 25 crore workers across various sectors, potentially disrupting banking, transport, and public services. Concerns include labor law changes, privatization, and rising rural distress, fueling widespread opposition. Bharat Bandh 9 July 2025 A nationwide strike has been called on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions along with farmers' and rural workers' organisations. The protest, branded as "Bharat Bandh," aims to oppose the government's policies which the unions describe as pro-corporate and anti-worker. Organisers expect over 25 crore workers to participate across the formal and informal sectors, with farmers and agricultural labourers joining from rural unions involved in the protest include major national bodies such as: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) The strike is expected to affect multiple sectors, including: Banking and financial services Postal departments Coal mining and factories State transport services Public sector units and government departments Workers from companies like NMDC and various state-run entities in the steel and mineral sectors have confirmed their participation. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from Hind Mazdoor Sabha said the protest would see "strong participation across industries and services, both public and private."However, banking unions have not saperately confirmed about disruption of services due to bandh, but as per bandh organisers financial services will be affected. Bandh organisers said that the strike includes employees from public sector banks and cooperative banking sectors, which may impact banking operations such as branch services, cheque clearance, and customer support in many regions. Schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open on July 9. However, normal operations may face disruptions in some regions due to transport issues. Public buses, taxis, and app-based cab services could be affected as trade unions and allied groups hold protest marches and road demonstrations in several cities. This may lead to delays or cancellations in local travel and logistical operations. Daily commuters are advised to plan ahead and expect possible traffic diversions and longer travel of now, there is no official announcement about a nationwide railway strike on July 9. However, since large-scale protests and road blockades are expected in several parts of the country, train services may experience delays or disruptions in certain unions have not formally joined the Bharat Bandh , but past such strikes have seen protestors holding demonstrations near railway stations or on tracks, especially in states with strong union presence. This could lead to localised train delays or security measures being stepped up by are likely to deploy additional security personnel around key railway hubs to ensure smooth operations and avoid major disruptions. Passengers are advised to check train schedules and plan their travel trade unions claim that their concerns have been consistently ignored. They submitted a 17-point charter of demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year, but say there has been no serious response."The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country. It is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and it is evident from the policies being pursued vigorously," the union forum allege the government: Has not conducted the Indian Labour Conference in the last ten years Is pushing four new labour codes that weaken unions and increase working hours Is promoting contractual jobs and privatisation Is ignoring demands for more public sector recruitment and wage hikes Is offering incentives to employers without tackling youth unemployment Farmer groups and rural labour organisations have also extended their support. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers' unions plan to mobilise villagers and protest against economic decisions that they claim are worsening rural allege that government actions are causing: Rising unemployment Higher prices of essential goods Cuts in health, education, and welfare spending Additional concerns raisedThe unions have also raised alarms over: Alleged misuse of constitutional institutions Laws like the Public Security Bill in Maharashtra, which they claim aim to criminalise protests Attempts to disenfranchise migrant workers through voter list revisions in Bihar Threats to citizenship rights According to the forum, the four new labour codes passed by Parliament are designed to 'suppress and cripple the trade union movement, increase working hours, snatch workers' right to collective bargaining, right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers.'The organisers say the July 9 Bharat Bandh will be a unified show of resistance from both industrial and rural India.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bharat Bandh 9 July: Reason, time, who's protesting and why - all you need to know about the all India strike today
A major nationwide strike called Bharat Bandh is planned for Wednesday. A coalition of 10 central trade unions , along with farmers' and rural workers' organisations, is organising a nationwide general strike. Originally planned for May 20, the strike was deferred to July 9 due to the 'prevailing situation' across the country. The organisers expect participation from over 25 crore workers across formal and informal sectors. In addition to the strike, unions will hold large demonstrations and rallies in state capitals, district headquarters, and major industrial hubs on July 9. Here's a detailed look at what is happening, who is involved, why the strike has been called, and how it could impact daily life across India. When and where will Bharat Bandh happen? The Bharat Bandh is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Live Events The strike will have nationwide coverage and is expected to affect both urban and rural areas across India. Key locations include industrial clusters, state capitals, district centres, and public sector offices. Who has called Bharat Bandh? The strike is being led by a joint platform of the following 10 major trade unions: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) Additionally, farmer unions under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and various agricultural workers' organisations have pledged support. The only major central union not supporting the bandh is the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which is affiliated to the RSS. "Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country," AITUC's Amarjeet Kaur told PTI. "The government has ignored our 17-point demand list and hasn't even called the annual labour conference in the last 10 years." Why are workers going on strike? According to the unions, the strike is a response to policies they describe as pro-corporate, anti-worker, and harmful to farmers and ordinary people. They are protesting the implementation of the four labour codes, which they say undermine collective bargaining rights, increase working hours, make it harder to form or sustain unions, and decriminalise violations of labour laws by employers. The unions also oppose growing contractualisation and privatisation of jobs and the lack of increase in public sector recruitment or wages despite rising costs of living. Union leaders have said that there has been no serious government response to their 17-point charter of demands, which includes scrapping the new labour codes, expanding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to 200 days of work per year, reinstating the old pension scheme, and strengthening protections for workers in both organised and unorganised sectors. Farmers' groups have also joined the protest, arguing that government policies have worsened rural distress. They point to rising unemployment, high prices of essential goods, and cuts in health, education, and welfare budgets as reasons for their support. Additionally, unions have raised concerns over what they describe as misuse of constitutional institutions to target dissent, new state laws restricting protests such as the Public Security Bill in Maharashtra, attempts to disenfranchise migrant workers in Bihar, and broader threats to citizenship rights. What's likely to be affected? Organisers have informed that the Bharat Bandh could disrupt a wide range of services. Banking and financial services are likely to be affected, as public sector bank employees and cooperative banking staff are expected to participate, which may impact branch operations, cheque clearing, and customer services. Public transport could also be hit, with state buses, taxis, and some app-based cab services facing disruptions or delays. Mining and heavy industry, including coal, steel, and mineral sectors, have confirmed that many workers will join the strike. Government offices and public sector units may see reduced staffing and slower operations. However, schools, colleges, and most private offices are expected to remain open, but commuters should be prepared for transport delays. So far, there is no formal announcement of a railway strike, but protests near stations could cause localised disruptions.
