A “Bharat Bandh” that is nationwide strike is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. It’s organized by 10 big worker unions and their associated groups, and farmers and rural workers are also supporting it.
Why are they striking?
The unions and farmers say the government’s policies favor big businesses and hurt regular workers and farmers. Here are their main concerns:
New Worker Laws: They strongly dislike four new laws about workers. They believe these laws make worker rights weaker, make it harder for unions to operate, allow longer work hours, and make it easier for employers to break labor laws without serious punishment. They also limit workers’ ability to come together and strike.
Selling Government Businesses: They are protesting the sale of government-owned companies and the increasing use of temporary and outsourced workers.
No Jobs, Low Pay: They are worried about more people losing jobs, everyday prices going up, wages staying the same, and less money being spent on important public services like schools and hospitals.
No Discussions: They criticize the government for not listening to workers’ complaints and for not holding important national meetings for workers for ten years.
Other Demands: They have a list of 17 demands, including getting rid of the new worker laws, protecting jobs, guaranteeing minimum wages, and creating more work (like increasing workdays and pay for rural workers and making similar programs for city workers).
Misuse of Power: Some unions are also concerned about the government unfairly using its power and laws that seem to stop protests.
Who is joining the strike?
The main groups calling for the strike include big national worker unions like INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, and others. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (a group of farmer unions) and several farm worker unions are also backing the strike.
What to expect and what will be affected?
Over 250 million (25 crore) workers are expected to join, which could cause big problems across many areas.
Banks: Many bank branches, especially public and cooperative banks, might be affected. This means things like depositing or withdrawing money, or clearing checks, could be slow or unavailable.
Post Offices: Services are likely to be impacted.
Coal Mines and Factories: Work in these places is expected to slow down or stop.
Public Transport : Public buses (like MSRTC) and other state-run transport might face problems because of protests and roadblocks.
Government Offices and Public Companies: Work here might be affected as employees join the strike.
Train Services: There’s no official national train strike, but local delays or disruptions are possible if protests happen near railway stations or on tracks in areas where unions are strong. It’s a good idea to check your train schedule if you’re planning to travel.
What will likely stay open?
Schools and Colleges : Generally, schools and colleges are expected to be open. However, transport problems could cause delays for students and staff. Parents and students should keep an eye on local news for updates.
Private Offices: Most private offices will probably stay open, but fewer employees might come to work if commuting is difficult.
Essential Services: Hospitals, emergency services (like ambulances), and police are expected to work as usual. But, some roads might be temporarily blocked in protest areas.
A bit of history:
Worker unions have held similar country-wide strikes in the past, including on November 26, 2020; March 28-29, 2022; and February 16, 2023. This upcoming strike is expected to be one of the largest in terms of how many people will participate and how much it might affect daily life.
