India is heading towards a major Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, July 9. Over 25 crore workers are expected to take part. This strike has been called by a forum of 10 central trade unions. Their message is loud and clear — they are against the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate” policies.
The unions say the government is ignoring the needs of the people who actually run the country — the workers. They also blame the government for not holding the national labour conference for 10 years.
This Bharat Bandh is the result of months of planning. The unions have been building up support from
Bharat Bandh on July 9: 25 Crore Workers to Strike, What’s Open, What’s Closed
every corner — from organised to unorganised sectors. They are not just protesting, they are demanding real change.
Who’s Behind the Bharat Bandh?
The main groups in this united protest include:
- AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress)
- INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress)
- CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, TUCC, LPF, UTUC, and AICCTU
These are some of the biggest trade unions in the country. They represent workers from almost every major sector.
What Are the Demands?
The unions have listed 17 major demands. Some of the key ones are:
- Withdraw the four new labour codes
- Stop privatisation of public services
- End contractual and casual jobs
- Increase minimum wages
- Reinstate the labour conference
They believe the new labour codes will reduce workers’ rights, make union work difficult, increase working hours, and protect employers from accountability.
What’s Likely to Be Closed?
Several services may not function normally on July 9:
- Banks and Insurance offices
- Postal services
- Coal mines
- Factories and Industrial Units
- State Transport (Buses, Public Vehicles)
- Many schools and colleges may also remain shut
What’s Open?
Not everything will stop. Essential services like:
- Railways
- Shops and Markets
- Emergency medical services
will continue as usual. So people can expect basic services like hospitals, grocery stores, and trains to function.
So, if you’re stepping out on July 9, be ready. Roads may be quieter, banks may be closed, and offices may have fewer people. But the message will be loud: India’s workers are done being ignored.
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