Today, July 9, 2025, ten major trade unions have called for a massive nationwide strike known as Bharat Bandh. Over 25 crore workers from all over India are likely to take part, union leaders claim. The protest is aimed at the central government’s policies, which, as per the unions, are hurting the rights and welfare of workers and farmers.
From banking, postal services, coal mining, insurance, and electricity, to the construction sector, people from all corners of the labor force are stepping away from work. It’s not just city workers, the bandh has also seen support from farmers and rural laborers.
Which Sectors Will Be Affected?
Banks:
While there’s no official bank holiday, services are expected to be disrupted. Union leaders from the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association confirmed that banking staff are participating in large numbers.
Postal and Insurance Services:
Several postal workers and employees of the insurance sector have also gone on strike. Post services can be halted or interrupted in areas.
Electricity Supply:
Another cause of concern is involvement of an estimated 27 lakh electricity department employees. If huge numbers of such people remain on leave, disruptions in power supply may ensue across the country.
Railways and Public Transport:
Trains will largely operate, though there will be some interference because of the strike. Bus services in most metropolitan cities, however, could be impacted, particularly where transport unions have pledged their support.
Schools and Colleges:
It’s largely a regular day, students. Schools and colleges will remain in operation since no holiday has been declared by state or central government authorities.
Why Are Workers Protesting?
Union leaders claim the strike is a demonstration against some anti-labor and anti-farmer policies brought in by the government. The key points of protest are:
Generation of jobs and curbing unemployment
Better work days and wages under the MNREGA rural jobs scheme
Abolition of the four new labor codes, which they claim:
Weaken collective bargaining rights
Enhance working hours
Give preference to big employers in the name of “ease of doing business”
Eliminate accountability of employers
Trade Unions Demand Active Participation
All India Trade Union Congress and other union leaders have requested workers to make the strike an effective message to the government. One of the leading voices, Amarjeet Kaur, explained that the movement is not only for workers but also for the increasing plight of farmers.
The demonstration is all the more watched by political commentators, particularly because of the magnitude and sectoral organization. Whether the government will react or not is a question, but the broad majority of cities are expected to see delays, interruptions, and slowdowns throughout the day.