Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: 25 Crore Workers on Strike, Banking and Postal Services Disrupted

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu)- Trade unions have called for a Bharat Bandh across the country on July 8. More than 25 crore workers are expected to participate in the nationwide strike or Bharat Bandh on Wednesday. The strike called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions aims to protest the "anti-labour, anti-farmer and pro-corporate policies" of the central government.

The strike is likely to disrupt key sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, transport and public sector industries. "Banking, postal, coal mining, factories and state transport services will be affected," said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha. Over 25 crore workers across the country are participating in the Bharat Bandh called by 10 central trade unions protesting government policies perceived to be anti-labour and anti-farmer. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha said the strike would hit banking, postal services, coal mining, factories and state transport services.

The organizations calling for Bharat Bandh to question the policies of the government

had handed over a charter of 17-point demands to Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. They say that the government has not been organizing the annual labor conference for the last 10 years. It is taking decisions against the interests of workers and employees. The platform of labor organizations also alleged that unemployment is increasing due to economic policies, prices of essential commodities are rising, wages are falling and social sector expenditure on education, health and basic civic amenities is being cut. All these are creating more inequality and deprivation for the poor, low-income group people as well as the middle class. It also alleged that the policy of hiring retired people instead of giving regular appointments to the youth in government departments will not take the country forward.

The reason is, 65 percent of the population is below 35 years of age. At the same time, the number of unemployed is the highest among the people in the age group of 20 to 25 years. The statement said that we are demanding the government to pay attention to unemployment, recruit on sanctioned posts, create more jobs, increase the working days and wages of MNREGA workers along with making similar laws for urban areas. But the government is busy implementing the ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) scheme to encourage employers.

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