To address growing concerns over labour codes, worker’s rights and privatization, several central trade unions and independent sectoral federations have called for a nationwide strike on May 20, 2025.
This decision was announced during the National Convention of Workers held in New Delhi on March 18, 2025.
The strike is a protest against the government’s labor policies, particularly the implementation of contentious labor codes and privatization initiatives.
The unions argue that these measures are harmful to workers’ rights and livelihoods.
The nationwide strike is expected to disrupt various sectors, including transportation, banking, and public services.
It also serves as a litmus test for the unity and strength of the labor movement in India.
The unions have urged workers from both organized and unorganized sectors to join the strike.
They emphasized the importance of solidarity to address the growing challenges faced by workers.
Strike Against Labour Codes: Key Demands of the Trade Unions
The unions have outlined a comprehensive charter of demands, which includes:
- Scrapping of Labour Codes: The labor codes are seen as a direct attack on workers’ rights, including their ability to unionize, bargain collectively, and protest.
- Halting Privatization: The unions are opposing the privatization of public sector undertakings and services, which they believe undermines job security and public welfare.
- Minimum Wages and Pension: A demand for a minimum monthly wage of ₹26,000 and a minimum monthly pension of ₹9,000 under the Employees’ Pension Scheme has been put forth.
- Financial Support for Unorganized Workers: The unions have called for a special fund to provide ₹6,000 per month to workers not covered under any existing schemes.
- Regular Indian Labour Conference Sessions: The unions are urging the government to hold regular consultations through the Indian Labour Conference to address workers’ grievances.
Backdrop of the Protest Against New Labour Codes
The strike is being organized by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, excluding the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.
The unions have accused the government of pursuing pro-corporate and anti-worker policies that have exacerbated unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
The labor codes, in particular, have been a focal point of contention.
Critics argue that these codes dilute existing labor protections and pave the way for exploitative practices.
The unions have pointed out the widening gap in economic equality. While corporate profits have soared, wages for informal sector workers have either stagnated or declined.
Voices from the Convention
Prominent leaders from various trade unions addressed the convention, emphasizing the need for collective action.
Speakers included Ashok Singh from INTUC, Amarjeet Kaur from AITUC, and Tapan Sen from CITU, among others.
They described the strike as a “launching pad” for future struggles to protect workers’ rights and livelihoods.
The convention’s declaration criticized the government’s policies for their detrimental impact on workers’ welfare.
It stated that these policies have created a “perfect storm” of joblessness, poverty, and inequality.
It also condemned the government’s attempts to criminalize collective action and suppress dissent.
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