Nationwide Strike Planned for February 12

Many workers and farmers across India will go on strike on February 12. They are unhappy with new government rules about work and a trade plan with the United States. This may cause delays in services like banks and schools.
By Newsroom | India, Labor & Trade |

A broad coalition of trade unions and farmer organizations has announced a nationwide strike, referred to as a "Bharat Bandh," scheduled for February 12. The primary catalysts for this widespread industrial action are the government's new labor codes and a recently agreed-upon interim trade agreement between India and the United States. Union leaders contend that these policies disproportionately benefit capitalists and pose a threat to the economic stability, agricultural sector, and national sovereignty of India. The proposed strike is expected to impact essential services across various sectors, including banking, public and private establishments, and educational institutions.

Workers and Farmers Mobilize for February 12 Action

Multiple central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, and CITU, have united to call for the February 12 strike. This unified front represents a significant portion of India's organized labor force. They assert that the four new labor codes – the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code – are detrimental to workers' rights.

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  • Labor Code Opposition: Union representatives, such as Ashok Barki, district president of the Trade Union Coordination Centre, have publicly criticized these codes, stating they are implemented to favor capitalists.

  • Broader Policy Concerns: Beyond the labor codes, the strike also addresses concerns over proposed and existing policies impacting workers and farmers. Article 4 highlights a decision to allow 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance sector as another point of contention.

  • Farmer Union Involvement: Farmer organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and its various factions, have also declared their intention to protest on February 12. Their focus is on opposing the India-US trade deal, which they believe could negatively affect Indian agriculture and the dairy sector.

Grievances Detailed by Union Leadership

Union leaders have articulated specific grievances fueling the strike. The implementation of the four new labor codes is central to their protest.

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"The labour codes are being implemented to benefit capitalists." - Ashok Barki, district president, Trade Union Coordination Centre.

The call for the strike was formally ratified at a National Workers' Convention. Detailed plans of action were to be finalized at this meeting, indicating a coordinated effort.

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  • Scope of Support: The strike has garnered support from various federations, including banking unions like the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI). The National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE) has also extended support.

  • Exclusion: Notably, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not part of the joint forum of central trade unions organizing the strike.

India-US Trade Deal Sparks Farmer Backlash

The interim trade agreement between India and the US has become a significant point of contention for farmer organizations. They argue that the deal could compromise India's agricultural interests.

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  • Deal Details: The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade by reducing import duties on various goods.

  • Farmer Concerns: Farmer leaders express apprehension that while the government claims to protect agricultural interests, the joint statement with the US indicates discussions on resolving non-tariff barriers for American agricultural and food products.

  • Allegations: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has voiced concerns that the government has made "sweeping concessions" to the US, potentially jeopardizing India's economy and agricultural sector.

  • Government Stance: Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Shivraj Singh Chouhan have asserted that India's farmers' interests have been safeguarded in the trade agreement.

Anticipated Impact and Preparations

Trade unions anticipate a substantial participation in the strike, with claims of up to 30 crore workers potentially joining. Extensive campaigns have been conducted across states, targeting government, public, and private sector establishments, as well as rural and urban populations.

Read More: Nationwide Strike Had Small Effect in Most Places

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  • Sectoral Disruptions: Banking operations are expected to be significantly affected, with major banking federations joining the strike.

  • Regional Impact: Unions predict a complete shutdown in states like Odisha and Assam, with considerable impact in other regions.

  • Educational Institutions: In Kerala, schools and colleges are likely to remain closed as teachers and students join the protest.

  • Farmer Protests: Farmers' bodies are planning large-scale demonstrations across the country to coincide with the strike.

Conflicting Perspectives on Government Policies

The strike highlights a clear divergence between the government's policy objectives and the demands of labor unions and farmer organizations.

IssueUnion/Farmer StanceGovernment Stance
Labor CodesAnti-worker, implemented to benefit capitalists. Demand for repeal.Aims to simplify regulations and improve ease of doing business (implicit).
India-US Trade DealThreatens Indian agriculture and national sovereignty; demands safeguards.Asserts farmers' interests are protected; aims to boost bilateral trade.
Foreign InvestmentConcerned about 100% FDI in insurance, viewing it as an attack on domestic interests.Focuses on economic growth and attracting foreign capital (implicit).

Expert Analysis and Observations

While direct expert commentary from the provided text is limited, the unified call for a nationwide strike by multiple trade unions and farmer groups suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction with current government policies. The breadth of issues — from labor rights to agricultural trade — indicates a complex interplay of economic and political factors driving this industrial action. The potential disruption to essential services underscores the significant leverage these organized groups wield. The differing perspectives on the India-US trade deal and labor codes point to ongoing policy debates with substantial implications for various segments of the Indian economy.

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"The government has made sweeping concessions to the US, posing a threat to India’s economy, agriculture, and national sovereignty." - Communist Party of India (Marxist) statement.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The planned February 12 nationwide strike is a significant manifestation of organized labor and farmer dissent against the current government's policies. The convergence of demands related to the new labor codes and the India-US trade agreement underscores a shared apprehension about the direction of economic reforms. The unions have engaged in extensive preparations, indicating a serious intent to disrupt normal operations across various sectors.

The government has reiterated its stance that its policies are in the best interest of the nation and its citizens. However, the broad support for the strike, including from banking and other key sectors, suggests that the government may face considerable pressure. The impact of the strike on essential services and the economy will be a critical indicator of the success of the mobilization.

The next steps would involve monitoring the actual participation on February 12, observing any government responses or counter-measures, and noting any further developments in the ongoing dialogue or conflict between the unions, farmer groups, and the administration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there a nationwide strike on February 12?
Workers and farmers are protesting against new government labor laws and a trade agreement with the United States. They believe these policies are bad for workers and farmers.
Q: Which services might be affected?
Services like banks, public and private offices, and schools could be affected by the strike.
Q: Who is organizing the strike?
Several large trade unions and farmer groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are calling for the strike.
Q: What are the main complaints about the labor laws?
Unions say the new labor laws favor business owners over workers and take away workers' rights.
Q: What are the farmers' concerns about the US trade deal?
Farmers worry that the trade deal could harm Indian farming and the dairy business.