Over 25 crore workers to participate in ‘Bharat Bandh’ against government’s economic and labor policies
New Delhi, July 8, 2025
All of India is preparing for a major country-wide strike on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when over 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the ‘Bharat Bandh’, a strike being coordinated by 10 central trade unions. The strike is being held because the organizers, and workers generally, are unhappy with the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.”
The strike will have an asymmetrical impact on banking, insurance, postal, coal, power and public transport. Formal and informal sector workers across the country are expected to strike. The government has not declared a public holiday, but notably disruptions to business as usual and essential services will occur.
At the heart of the protest is a 17-point charter of demands from the unions, which includes strong opposition to the privatization of public sector enterprises, as well as proposed changes to labor laws that unions say threaten worker protections.
The bandh was called after negotiations between union officials and government representatives failed. Organizers called it one of the largest labor mobilizations we have seen in some time, and rallies, protests, and closures are expected in every province. Authorities are preparing for managing public safety when the demonstrations begin. They have urged all emergency and essential services to remain operational, but it is safe to expect large-scale disruption to public movement and commerce as the country prepares for a day of co-ordinated worker resistance.
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