Nationwide Strike: Key Sectors Braced for Disruption Amid July 9 Bharat Bandh

A nation-wide strike is anticipated to impact key sectors across the country on Wednesday, July 9, with an estimated participation of over 250 million workers, according to recent news reports. The protest is being spearheaded by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, supported by organizations representing farmers and rural workers. The unions are protesting against the central government's policies, which they denounce as "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate."

Here are ten crucial points regarding the July 9 Bharat Bandh, along with details on potential service disruptions:

Who's Orchestrating the Bharat Bandh?

A coalition of ten prominent trade unions is behind the strike. These unions include INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, AICCTU, SEWA, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC. They have united to voice their dissent against the government's labour and economic policies.

Why a Strike Now?

The protest is fueled by 17 unresolved demands that the unions presented to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. A key grievance is the government's failure to address labour concerns and convene the long-awaited Indian Labour Conference, which hasn't been held in a decade.

Labour Codes: The Core of the Dispute

The unions are strongly opposing the four labour codes passed by Parliament. They claim that these codes weaken workers' rights, diminish union power, extend working hours, and decriminalize employer violations of labour laws.

Allegations of Corporate Favoritism

In a joint statement, the trade unions accused the government of abandoning the concept of a welfare state and instead prioritizing the interests of Indian and foreign corporations. They assert that the current administration is aggressively promoting policies that foster privatization, outsourcing, and the casualization of the workforce.

Which Industries Will Face Disruption?

Several major sectors are likely to experience disruptions, including:

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

Will Banks Be Closed?

While banking unions haven't officially confirmed closures, organizers state that employees from public sector and cooperative banks will be participating. This could potentially impact branch operations, cheque clearance, and customer services in various regions.

Support from Farmers and Rural Workers

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and various agricultural labour unions are backing the strike. They are planning large-scale mobilizations in rural areas, citing concerns about rising unemployment, inflation, and cuts in education, healthcare, and welfare programs.

What About Schools, Colleges, and Offices?

Educational institutions and private offices are anticipated to remain open. However, some disruptions cannot be ruled out. Public transport, including buses, taxis, and app-based cab services, may be affected in certain cities due to roadblocks and protest marches.

What Will Remain Open?

Schools, colleges, and private businesses are likely to remain open unless local conditions dictate otherwise.

Essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and police, are expected to function normally, although road access might be temporarily disrupted in specific locations.

History of Trade Union Strikes

This isn’t the first instance of unions uniting for collective action. Similar nationwide strikes occurred on November 26, 2020, March 28–29, 2022, and February 16, 2024, all of which saw substantial participation from both the public and private sectors.

In conclusion, both urban centers and rural areas may experience slowdowns in services, commuter delays, and increased political activity. Organizers have urged workers across all sectors to "make the strike a grand success," and citizens are advised to plan their day accordingly.