Workers in Visakhapatnam have engaged in numerous protests and called for strikes, voicing strong opposition to the Central Government's labor policies, including the introduction of new labor codes and the potential privatization of public sector undertakings. These actions highlight widespread discontent among various labor unions and workers.
Reports indicate a series of organized actions by trade unions in Visakhapatnam and across India, centered on demands for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, permanent employment for contract workers, a minimum wage of ₹26,000 with benefits, and the protection of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Protesters also voice concerns over the proposed privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and other public sector enterprises, along with opposition to the four labor codes, which they argue undermine worker rights, job security, and the ability to form trade unions. The period leading up to February 12, 2026, and continuing into early 2026, has seen a notable escalation in these activities.
Read More: Nationwide Strike Had Small Effect in Most Places
Timeline of Agitations and Demands
Evidence from multiple sources outlines a pattern of escalating protests and demands directed at the Central Government.
Recent Protests: As of early 2026, a protest occurred in Visakhapatnam against the Central Government's alleged "anti-labour policies." Key demands included the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, permanent status for medical contract workers, and the regularization of all contract, outsourced, and unorganized sector workers.
Minimum Wage and Benefits: A recurring demand across several articles is for a minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month, coupled with ESI, PF, and Gratuity benefits for workers.
Labor Codes Opposition: The four labor codes have been a central point of contention. Unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and others, have consistently argued that these codes weaken trade unions, reduce job security, and facilitate easier "hire-and-fire" practices, effectively turning workers into "slaves."
Privatization Concerns: The proposed privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and other Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) has been a significant driver of protests. Workers have expressed solidarity with ongoing agitations at VSP and have participated in rallies and strikes specifically opposing these privatization efforts.
Scheduled Strikes: Multiple nationwide strikes have been called, with February 12, 2026, appearing as a key date for a general strike opposing the labor codes and "anti-worker, anti-farmer policies." Other proposed strike dates include February 16, February 5, and May 20, indicating a sustained period of organized labor action.
Broader Policy Critiques: Beyond labor policies, some groups have criticized the government's handling of farmer produce prices, amendments to the Electricity Act, the installation of smart meters, and alleged the diversion of national resources to corporate groups.
Core Grievances Articulated by Trade Unions
Trade unions have repeatedly articulated a series of grievances concerning the current labor environment and government policies.
Read More: Madurai Workers Protest for Unpaid Money and Safety
Erosion of Worker Rights and Protections
The introduction of the four labor codes is viewed as a direct assault on fundamental worker rights, job security, and trade union democracy.
Leaders from unions like CITU and the All India National Life Insurance Employees Federation (AINLIEF) state these codes dilute job security, make it easier for employers to terminate employment, weaken trade unions, and reduce workplace safety safeguards.
These codes are alleged to diminish social security benefits for all categories of workers, including those in organized, unorganized, and gig economies.
Economic Disparity and Corporate Favoritism
There is a persistent accusation that government policies benefit corporations at the expense of ordinary citizens, leading to increased economic disparity.
Unions claim that national wealth, including mineral resources, agriculture, and industries, is being transferred to large corporate groups like Ambani and Adani.
The argument is made that laws are being amended to suit the needs of these corporate entities, rather than for public welfare.
The contrast is often drawn between the enrichment of the wealthy and the impoverishment of the poor due to these "lopsided policies."
Concerns Regarding Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
The potential privatization of public sector assets, particularly the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), is a major catalyst for worker protests.
Trade union leaders allege that the government is actively weakening PSUs like VSP, sometimes by allotting captive mines to private firms.
Workers at VSP have been staging continuous protests, including relay hunger strikes, demonstrating strong opposition to any moves towards privatization.
A specific instance highlighted involved contract workers at VSP protesting alleged management conspiracies to remove them from their jobs and demanding the reinstatement of over a thousand laid-off contract workers.
Demands for Improved Wages and Working Conditions
Workers are demanding a substantial increase in minimum wages and the restoration or enhancement of social security benefits.
The demand for a minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month is frequently cited, along with essential benefits such as Employees' State Insurance (ESI), Provident Fund (PF), and Gratuity.
There is a push for the regularization of contract and outsourced workers, granting them the same rights and benefits as permanent employees.
The protection and full restoration of schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme are also central to these demands.
Evidence of Organized Labor Action
A consistent pattern of organized protests, rallies, and strikes emerges from the provided reports.
Read More: Labor Board Stops Case Against SpaceX
Union Participation: A wide array of trade unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, IFTU, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC, have been involved in these agitations.
Rallies and Marches: Rallies and public meetings have been held in Visakhapatnam and other locations to raise awareness and mobilize support. Specific examples include rallies concluding at the RTC Complex and marches from Dondaparthy to the Gandhi statue.
Scheduled Strikes: Multiple dates have been designated for nationwide strikes, with February 12, 2026, being a prominent date for a "Bharat Bandh" (nationwide shutdown). Earlier strikes were planned for February 16 and May 20.
Solidarity Actions: Workers from the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant have shown solidarity with broader bandhs, and contract workers have undertaken their own protests against management decisions.
Awareness Campaigns: Trade unions have been actively engaged in creating public awareness about the implications of the labor codes and other government policies through posters, meetings, and workshops.
Expert Perspectives and Union Statements
Statements from union leaders and organizations consistently echo the same concerns, painting a unified picture of opposition to current government policies.
"The 18th All India conference of the CITU has discussed the anti-worker, anti-people and pro-corporate policies of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, and the way forward to counter them more effectively."– Tapan Sen, CITU National Secretary
"The lopsided policies of the BJP-led government was resulting in the rich becoming richer while the poor were being impoverished."– Tapan Sen, CITU National Secretary
"CITU general secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar, AITUC president M. The all-party trade union leaders held a meeting at the CITU Office at Jagadamba Junction here on January 31 (Wednesday). The main demands of the trade unions include the withdrawal of the proposal for privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and other Public Sector Enterprises, the withdrawal of the four labour codes, which are detrimental to the interests of the workers…"– Article 3
"The CITU said that the government’s decisions after the Lok Sabha elections have been disappointing and have failed the labour force that expected favourable economic policies. The CITU said that the policies of the State and the Centre have been pro corporate, and the State government has been resorting to loans that is dangerous to the economy."– Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
"The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) national president K. She alleged that the labour codes would literally reduce the workers into slaves. He called for united struggles to safeguard the rights of workers. These codes would also weaken the trade unions and deprive the workers of their right to question the undemocratic actions of the managements like retrenchment and increase in working hours."– K. She, CITU National President
"The NDA government at the Centre, which managed to secure power for the third consecutive term, is going ahead with its ‘anti-labour’ and ‘anti-people’ policies, though its majority has come down in the last elections, alleged leaders of various trade unions."– Article 7
Implications and Ongoing Tensions
The sustained and widespread protests indicate significant ongoing tensions between labor unions and the Central Government regarding economic and labor policies.
Broad Coalition: The involvement of numerous trade unions and alignment with farmer and agricultural labor organizations suggests a broad coalition is forming against the government's policies.
Focus on Specific Policies: The labor codes and the privatization of PSUs, particularly VSP, remain focal points of contention. The demands for a higher minimum wage and improved social security also highlight core worker concerns.
Potential for Disruption: The organization of nationwide strikes signals a willingness to disrupt economic activity to pressure the government. The impact of these strikes on daily life, transport, and businesses has been noted, with Kerala reportedly experiencing the most significant effects during the February 12, 2026 strike.
Future Actions: The recurring nature of these protests, with calls for strikes and rallies spanning from late 2024 through early 2026, suggests that these labor disputes are likely to continue unless significant policy changes or resolutions are enacted.
The Hindu:
Moneycontrol:
Munsif Daily:
Article 14: https://munsifdaily.com/breaking-tensions-escalate-as-workers-protest-at-visakhapatnam/
Public Services International:
ANI News:
