Bharat Bandh 9 July: Over 25 crore Employees on Strike, Banks and Govt Offices Closed

India is set to witness a massive nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 9, as more than 25 crore workers from across sectors — including banking, insurance, postal, transport, construction, and power — prepare to participate in a Bharat Bandh. The strike has been called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, along with several associated worker and farmer organizations.

The 10 central trade unions are: NTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. Not only central trade unions but bank, insurance and other unions are also now participating in the strike.

Earlier the strike was scheduled on 20 May but it was postponed due to war like situation in the country. The main reason for the strike is to protest against increasing attacks on workers and anti-worker labour policies by the Central Government.

The forum of ten central trade unions and their associates, which include, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), HMS, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), will participate in the general strike on Wednesday.

Union leaders from NMDC Ltd and other non-coal minerals, steel, state government departments, and public sector enterprises have also given notices to join the strike, as per a PTI report.

Why Is the Bharat Bandh Being Held?

The unions have called the strike to protest against the “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies of the central government. According to the joint forum, the government is ignoring the interests of workers and rural communities in favor of corporates, both Indian and foreign. The unions say that the government is constantly working on privatisation of public companies.

The unions allege that:

• The government is pushing labour reforms without proper consultation.
• The four new labour codes being introduced will weaken workers’ rights and undermine trade unions.
• The government has not held the Indian Labour Conference — an annual dialogue with workers — for over a decade.
• There is a continued push for privatisation, outsourcing, and use of contract workers in public services and enterprises.

The trade union forum said it had earlier submitted a 17-point charter of demands to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, but no significant action has been taken.

Who Will Join the Strike?

The strike is expected to see widespread participation from workers across both the formal and informal sectors:

• Bank and insurance employees
• Postal workers
• Coal miners and industrial workers
• State transport employees
• Power sector workers
• Construction and rural workers
• Farmers’ groups supporting the cause

Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), told PTI, “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join protests across the country.”

What Are the Demands of the Protesters?

The 17-point charter includes the following key demands:

• Stop privatisation of public sector undertakings (PSUs) and services
• Withdraw the four labour codes that dilute workers’ rights
• End outsourcing and contract-based employment
• Ensure minimum wages and social security for all workers
• Restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees
• Control price rise and unemployment

The Bharat Bandh on July 9 is likely to cause widespread disruptions in banking, insurance, transport, postal, and power sectors. Though it is not an official public holiday, citizens are advised to plan their day accordingly, especially if they rely on public transport or need to visit banks or government offices.

The strike highlights rising discontent among worker groups and reflects a demand for more inclusive policymaking and protection of labour rights.

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The CPI (M) has extended their full support to the countrywide general strike called on July 9, 2025, by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions, comprising ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and independent all-India sectoral federations and associations.