Nationwide Strike on July 9: Major Disruptions Expected in Banking and Essential Services

New Delhi, July 9, 2025 –  A nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, is called in India. where more than 250 million workers from 10 central trade unions are taking part to oppose the government’s labor reforms and privatisation plans. Today, a coalition of 10 central trade unions (including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, and others) is leading a 24-hour countrywide strike across India. With the help of farmers’ and rural labor unions like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, it will involve more than 250 million (25 crore) workers. Most government offices and public sector banks are going to remain closed.

Key Demands and Protest Scope

The unions are rallying against the Centre’s failure to convene the Indian Labour Conference for the past decade and the implementation of four contentious labour codes. They are also calling for:

• Pro-corporate & anti-worker/farmer, diluting labour rights through four new labour codes
• Eroding collective bargaining, restricting the right to strike
• Advancing privatisation of public services
• Overlooking key demands like a ₹26,000 minimum wage, Old Pension Scheme, and protections for informal workers

Union leaders estimate that between 300 to 400 million workers could join or support the protest in solidarity with the 17-point charter of demands.

Participating Unions and Strike Coordination

Ten of the twelve central trade unions have declared support for the strike. These include:

• Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha
• Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

These unions argue that the Centre’s push to enforce the new labour codes undermines collective bargaining rights and favours corporatisation.

Government Reactions

The government has said it is open to talking about the reforms if it gets constructive criticism, but it also says that many states, including those governed by the opposition, have already changed their labor laws to fit with the Center’s strategy for boosting investment and manufacturing.

Background and Previous Strikes

This is not the first nationwide protest by trade unions. Similar strikes took place in November 2020, March 2022, and February 2024. This time, the strike is expected to have a wider impact given the large mobilization and expanded list of demands.

Possible Service Disruptions

The strike is expected to significantly affect operations in:

• Public sector banks and financial institutions
• Postal services
• Transportation and logistics sectors
• Government offices and civic amenities

Businesses and citizens have been advised to plan ahead, especially for transactions and services dependent on public sector operations.

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