Over 25 to 30 crore workers and farmers are expected to go on nationwide strike means Bharat bandh on July 9, 2025. The announcement of Bharat Bandh was made by 10 central trade unions during a press conference, which took place in Delhi on July 7.
The trade union to do Bharat Bandh to protest against what the unions label as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the central government.
Trade unions have urged people to “ensure the nationwide general strike is a grand success,” highlighting that months of extensive preparations have been carried out across both formal and informal sectors.
“All arrangements are in place, and over 25 crore workers are expected to participate in the strike,” said Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), in a statement to news agency PTI.
She added that farmers and rural workers across the country will also join the protest, amplifying the collective voice against the government’s current policies.
What is behind the Bharat Bandh
The joint trade union forum has declared the upcoming strike as a protest against what they describe as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.”
Among the key concerns raised by the unions are:
- Implementation of the four new labour codes
- Privatisation of public sector enterprises and essential services
- Increasing reliance on outsourcing and contractual employment for permanent roles
- Erosion of collective bargaining rights and suppression of trade union activities
- The absence of an annual labour conference for the past ten years
The unions had earlier submitted a 17-point charter of demands to the Union Labour Ministry. However, they allege that there has been no meaningful discussion or action from the government in response.
Who will Participate
Leaders from major trade unions—including AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress), INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress), CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), and HMS (Hind Mazdoor Sabha)—have confirmed their participation in the nationwide strike.
According to Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC, over 25 crore workers from sectors such as construction, mining, transport, manufacturing, banking, insurance, and agriculture are expected to take part in the protest.
Key highlights of support include:
- 27 lakh power sector employees have pledged to join the strike
- Banking and insurance employees across the country will participate
- Postal workers and public transport staff in several states are also likely to abstain from work