Trade unions have confirmed a nationwide general strike on 12 February, expecting up to 30 crore workers to protest labour codes, privatisation, and rural employment law changes, with backing from farmer groups and sectoral unions nationwide.

A joint platform of ten central trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC has formally announced a one-day general strike against what they describe as anti–worker, anti–farmer and pro–corporate policies of the Union government.

According to All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur, unions expect not less than 30 crore workers to participate, spread across around 600 districts an expansion from last year’s estimated reach of 550 districts.

The unions have said that campaigns across states have gained traction among formal and informal sector workers, farmers, youth groups and common citizens. Preparations include strike notices served across industries and public sector units, and mobilisation drives at district and block levels.

Why the Strike? Unions’ Demands and Grievances

Trade unions have outlined a series of core concerns driving the strike:

• Repeal of four newly notified labour codes, which unions argue dilute collective bargaining rights, weaken workplace protections, curb the ability to strike and undermine job security.
• Withdrawal of controversial bills including the Draft Seed Bill, Electricity Amendment Bill, and the so-called SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act).
• Restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) instead of its replacement by the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which unions say undermines rural job security.

The grievances go beyond formal legislation: unions are also protesting the privatisation and disinvestment push in public sector undertakings, the perceived erosion of workers’ job protections, and what they see as broader policy shifts that favour corporate interests over workers’ rights.

Sectoral unions, including bank employee associations, have publicly declared participation, citing concerns specific to their industries such as disinvestment in banks, insurance liberalisation, recruitment issues, pension reforms, outsourcing and declining job security.

Supporters, Opponents and Expected Impact

Beyond traditional labour organisations, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers’ federations have extended full support, promising farmer mobilisations alongside workers’ protests.

The strike is poised to affect a wide range of sectors: banks, postal services, transport, coal mining, electricity, public sector units, schools and government offices could see disruptions or closures on the day. Reports anticipate significant impact in states like Odisha and Assam, with both formal and informal workers observing the strike.

However, not all labour voices are unified. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) another major union has publicly declined participation, calling the strike politically motivated and noting its ongoing engagement with government bodies on labour issues.

Central government ministries have defended the labour reforms as modernising and streamlining outdated laws, claiming they expand social security and formal coverage for gig and platform workers, even as unions strongly contest these assertions.

Historic Context: A Pattern of Industrial Action

The 12 February strike follows a precedent of nationwide labour actions in recent years. On 9 July 2025, trade unions called a nationwide “Bharat Bandh” that reportedly saw about 25 crore workers participate in industrial action against government policies.

Similarly, power sector workers and other federations joined protests against privatisation and labour reforms, underscoring a broader pattern of labour mobilisation across multiple sectors throughout 2025.

Experts say these actions reflect longstanding tensions over labour regulation, job security, informalisation of work, rural employment guarantees, privatization of public assets, and the changing nature of labour relations in India’s rapidly evolving economy.

While some analysts argue reforms are necessary for competitiveness and growth, others see them as eroding decades of hard-fought workers’ protections.

What Comes Next: Preparing for Dialogue or Disruption?

With the strike set to coincide with the Budget Session of Parliament, the timing signals an effort by unions to exert pressure on policymakers when key decisions on economic and labour policy are underway.

Union leaders have urged peaceful participation, emphasising constitutional rights to protest, while calling for constructive engagement from political leaders and civil society. Several state-level unions and workers’ federations have scheduled rallies, marches and dialogue sessions after the strike to sustain momentum on their demands.

Government officials while defending policy choices have reiterated the need for continued dialogue. A senior official from the Ministry of Labour and Employment told the press that the reforms are intended to rationalise labour regulations and help India attract more investment, create jobs and formalise labour markets, without stripping workers of core rights. However, specific responses to several union demands remain pending.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The constitutional right to strike and protest is an important democratic tool for citizens and workers to express dissent and seek redress. However, genuine grievances demand dialogue, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive consultation, not confrontation alone.

Labour reforms and economic policies need not be zero-sum: it is possible and imperative to balance economic growth with robust social protections, dignified work, and security for all workers, whether formal, informal, rural or urban.

Policymakers should ensure transparency and broaden consultation with social partners before implementing large-scale legislative changes that affect millions of livelihoods.

At the same time, unions and civil society must engage constructively and responsibly, focusing on solutions that unite rather than polarise society.

As the country prepares for a significant day of action on 12 February, how can India’s workers, policymakers and citizens come together to ensure that reforms are both economically sound and socially just? Share your thoughts with us.