Nationwide Strike on July 9: Key Services Face Disruption as Millions Protest Labor Policies

A nationwide strike is expected to impact key sectors across the country on Wednesday, July 9, with projections indicating participation from over 250 million workers. The strike, organized by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions and supported by farmers' and rural workers' organizations, is a direct response to central government policies perceived by the unions as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate.”

Here are ten key points to understand about the July 9 Bharat Bandh and its potential impact on services:

Who is Orchestrating the Strike?

A coalition of ten prominent trade unions is spearheading the nationwide strike. These unions include INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, AICCTU, SEWA, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC. United under a common cause, they aim to voice their opposition to the government's labor and economic policies.

What's the Impetus Behind This Action?

The strike is fueled by 17 unresolved demands that the unions presented to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya the previous year. A primary grievance is the government's perceived inaction on labor concerns, particularly the prolonged absence of the Indian Labour Conference, which has not convened in a decade.

Labor Codes: The Core of the Dispute

The unions have voiced strong objections to the four labor codes approved by Parliament. They argue that these codes weaken workers' rights, diminish union influence, extend working hours, and decriminalize employer violations of labor laws.

Allegations of Pro-Corporate Favoritism

In a joint statement, the trade unions accused the government of abandoning the principles of a welfare state to prioritize the interests of both domestic and international corporations. They contend that the current administration is aggressively pursuing policies that promote privatization, outsourcing, and the casualization of the workforce.

Which Industries Are Anticipated to Face Disruption?

Several key industries are likely to experience disruptions, including:

• Banking and financial services
• Postal services
• Coal mining and factories
• State transport
• Public sector units
• Employees of companies such as NMDC, along with other government-operated steel and mineral firms, are also expected to participate in the strike.

Will Banking Operations Be Suspended?

While banking unions have not formally announced closures, organizers indicate that employees from public sector and cooperative banks will be participating. This could potentially affect branch operations, cheque clearance, and customer service in various regions.

Support from Agricultural Workers

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, along with several agricultural labor unions, has pledged its support for the strike. These organizations are planning significant mobilizations in rural areas, highlighting concerns about rising unemployment, inflation, and reductions in education, healthcare, and welfare programs.

What About Schools, Businesses, and Government Offices?

Educational institutions and private offices are anticipated to remain open, although some disruptions cannot be entirely ruled out. Public transportation, including buses, taxis, and app-based ride services, may experience disruptions in certain cities due to roadblocks and protest marches.

What Services Will Remain Operational?

Schools, colleges, and private businesses are expected to operate as usual, unless local conditions dictate otherwise.

Essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement, are projected to function normally, although access to roads might be temporarily restricted in specific areas.

A History of Collective Action

This is not the first instance of unions uniting for a common cause. Similar nationwide strikes took place on November 26, 2020, March 28–29, 2022, and February 16, 2024, all of which garnered substantial participation from both the public and private sectors.

As the nationwide strike approaches, both urban and rural areas may experience slowdowns in services, transportation delays, and increased political activity. Organizers have called on workers across all sectors to ensure the strike's resounding success, while the public is advised to make necessary adjustments to their schedules.