Nationwide trade union strike sees mixed impact across states

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge extended full support to the nationwide strike called by central trade unions and farmers’ organisations against the Union government’s labour policies and economic reforms. The opposition leaders accused the government of pursuing anti-worker policies and favouring corporate interests while ignoring the concerns of labourers and farmers. Rahul Gandhi criticised the newly notified Labour Codes , alleging that they dilute workers’ rights and weaken job security , while Kharge argued that recent India-US trade understandings could adversely affect domestic agriculture and labour sectors.

The strike was organised in protest against the consolidation of 29 existing labour laws into four Labour Codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. Trade unions claim these codes make it easier for employers to hire and retrench workers, impose stricter conditions on the right to strike , and reduce statutory protections for a large section of the workforce, particularly those in informal employment and contract jobs. Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the four Labour Codes, a legal guarantee for minimum wages , expansion of social security benefits , protection of the MGNREGA scheme , and a halt to the privatisation of public sector undertakings . Union federations estimated that nearly 25–30 crore workers and farmers participated, leading to partial disruptions in banking services , transport operations , coal production, and other public utilities.

In Telangana, the strike witnessed significant mobilisation, particularly in Hyderabad and the coal belt regions. Demonstrations were held by leaders and cadres of Congress, CPI, and CPI(M), demanding the rollback of the Labour Codes. The impact was especially visible at Singareni Collieries Company Limited in Godavarikhani, where miners boycotted duties except for emergency services, resulting in a near halt in coal production. Union leaders described the bandh as successful and peaceful, while police officials confirmed that protests concluded without major incidents under heavy security arrangements.

In Chennai, trade unions staged a large demonstration in Guindy as part of the nationwide mobilisation. Leaders alleged that the Labour Codes disproportionately favour employers and threaten fundamental rights such as forming unions and undertaking strikes. The protest was jointly organised by ten central trade unions and over 50 farmers’ organisations, reflecting rare unity between labour and agricultural groups. Alongside labour-related demands, protesters also raised concerns about minimum support price guarantees , amendments to seed laws , and the ongoing electricity sector reforms .

The strike’s impact extended to Himachal Pradesh, where protests were reported in more than 50 locations, affecting civic services including sanitation and public utilities. Union representatives argued that the new codes could increase permissible working hours and exclude many workers from legal safeguards. In Andhra Pradesh, rallies were organised in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur against both the Labour Codes and the proposed privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, with partial disruption to RTC bus and banking services. Similarly, in Odisha, industrial centres such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Rourkela witnessed road blockades and rail protests that impacted transport and public movement.

Leaders warned that if the Centre does not reconsider its labour and economic policies, the agitation could intensify in the coming weeks. The strike is being seen as one of the most significant coordinated labour actions in recent years, reflecting growing unease over employment security , social protection , and the direction of economic reforms.