Summary
- Over 25 crore workers from banking, postal, insurance, transport, energy, and construction sectors are expected to join the nationwide Bharat Bandh on July 9.
- The strike is a protest against the government’s alleged pro-corporate labour codes, privatisation of public enterprises, and weakening of collective bargaining.
- Essential services like banking, postal delivery, coal mining, and power supply may be disrupted, though schools and colleges are expected to remain open.
A Country on Paus e: Bharat Bandh 2025 Aims to Halt Business as Usual
India is bracing for a massive nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 9, as more than 25 crore workers from both formal and informal sectors prepare to down tools. The protest—coordinated by a coalition of 10 major central trade unions—is aimed squarely at the Modi government’s economic and labour policies, which they describe as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate.”
The strike, which echoes the spirit of the landmark 2020–21 farmer protests, may significantly impact public services, with potential disruptions to banking, transport, postal services, and power supply. The bandh has been called to demand the withdrawal of four contentious labour codes, rollback of privatisation policies, and restoration of trade union rights across sectors.
Leaders from the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have called on workers and rural communities to mobilize in large numbers, framing the bandh as a last-ditch effort to resist what they call the corporatisation of India’s labour ecosystem.
The Bharat Bandh on July 9 is not just a strike – it's a loud and clear rebellion against the BJP government's brutal, anti-worker, anti-farmer agenda. Over 25 crore voices are rising because this regime has shamelessly sold out to corporates while crushing the backbone of pic.twitter.com/0SSVOg5jbK
— Nadeem नदीम ندیم (@___nadeem_) July 8, 2025
Why Are Workers Striking? Decoding the 17-Point Charter
- Trade unions oppose the central government’s four labour codes, citing threats to worker protections.
- Key demands include: scrapping of fixed-term employment, reinstating social security contributions, ending contractorisation, and halting PSU privatisation.
- Protesters say the government has ignored trade union input for over a decade.
At the core of the protest lies the four labour codes, which the government introduced to consolidate 29 labour laws. Critics argue these codes undermine job security, dilute collective bargaining rights, and weaken safeguards on minimum wages, social security, and workplace safety.
The trade union forum accuses the government of bypassing democratic consultation. “The Indian Labour Conference hasn’t been convened for 10 years, even though it’s a statutory obligation,” said Amarjeet Kaur, AITUC leader. “What we’re seeing is the systematic dismantling of the welfare state in favour of private capital.”
Services Disrupted: What Will Be Affected on July 9?
- Banking services will be impacted as multiple unions including AIBEA and BPBEA are joining the strike.
- Postal workers, coal miners, and construction staff are also expected to walk out.
- Over 27 lakh power workers will participate, potentially affecting electricity supply nationwide.
- Schools and colleges are expected to remain open unless states issue last-minute closures.
With participation from public sector banks, insurance firms, and electricity boards, the strike may severely hit service delivery across several states. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association confirmed that its members will join the bandh, warning of “major disruptions” to banking transactions.
In the power sector, the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has indicated that grid functions may experience delays or reduced manpower, though essential services are expected to be maintained under emergency protocols.
While no official state holidays have been declared, many government offices are likely to see thin attendance. State transport in places like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala could also be affected depending on local support for the bandh.
Workers vs. Welfare Cuts: The Broader Political Message
- Protesters accuse the government of eroding labour rights in the name of “ease of doing business.”
- The bandh is also a response to increased outsourcing and contractorisation in core public sectors.
- Unions warn that unregulated corporatisation is deepening inequality and social distress.
This Bharat Bandh is more than a labour protest—it’s a direct challenge to the economic ideology that has governed India’s policymaking since 2014. Trade unions allege that reforms sold under the guise of efficiency and economic growth have left workers disenfranchised and precariously employed.
Outsourcing, fixed-term contracts, and non-unionised gig jobs are becoming the norm, unions say. They argue that the government is promoting “labour market flexibility” to attract foreign investment at the expense of worker dignity and stability.
By linking labour issues to farm distress, rural unemployment, and education sector cuts, the unions hope to build a broad-based coalition that can apply pressure both electorally and through sustained mobilisation.
Will the Bharat Bandh Have a Lasting Impact?
As with any general strike, the true success of the July 9 Bharat Bandh will be measured not only in headlines or turnout but in policy traction. If past nationwide strikes are any indication, the government may hold its position unless confronted with mass, sustained unrest.
However, the sheer scale—25 crore workers across industries and states—makes this one of the largest industrial actions in Indian history. At a time when the government is preparing for the next round of state elections and managing the fallout from the Pahalgam terror attack, the message from the streets may be harder to ignore.
The government has so far remained silent. But the workers have made their move.
