Published Feb 12, 2026 | 8:59 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 12, 2026 | 5:53 PM
Left-backed trade union members at Kochi Refinery joined the nationwide strike.
Synopsis: The one-day nationwide strike called by 10 trade unions against the centre’s labour codes disrupted transport, banking and government services across Kerala. Earlier, the joint platform of 10 central trade unions claimed that around 30 crore workers are expected to participate in the general strike across India.
The one-day nationwide Bharat Bandh called by 10 trade unions against the centre’s labour codes began on Thursday, 12 February, disrupting transport, banking and government services across Kerala.
Congress-affiliated government staff and teachers’ organisations have stayed away from the strike. The state government has announced a dies non, warning that employees absent without valid reasons will lose a day’s salary.
Earlier, the joint platform of 10 central trade unions claimed that around 30 crore workers are expected to participate in the general strike across India.
Meanwhile, unions in Karnataka including Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) joined the nationwide strike in Bengaluru on Thursday, demanding repeal of labour codes among other reforms.
Several protestors including workers, farmers and members of various trade unions were detained in buses from the protest at Town Hall. Later in the day, the detained protestors were taken to the CAR police grounds in Adugodi where they continued their protest
KSRTC staff, private bus operators, and auto and taxi drivers have joined the protest, leading to the suspension of public transport in many areas. Left-backed trade union members at Kochi Refinery also joined the nationwide strike.
Shops and markets are shut in several places. Colleges have also closed for the day. Essential services have been exempted, along with pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala and Maramon in Pathanamthitta.
Banking operations are also expected to be hit as three major unions have participated, with demonstrations held across the state in support of the protest.
Meanwhile, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) express solidarity with the strike,
“This strike has been announced primarily in protest against the BJP-led Central Government’s labour reforms and economic policies that have weakened workers’ protections. The new labour codes have reduced job security, diluted statutory safeguards, and increased employer flexibility in hiring and firing, thereby adversely affecting the rights and interests of workers. Farmers’ organisations have also extended their support to the Bandh, reflecting the growing concerns over these policies,” said AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal in a notification
“In this context, all Pradesh Congress Committees are requested to extend full solidarity to the nationwide strike on 12th February and stand firmly with workers and farmers in their democratic struggle for justice, dignity, and fair economic policies,” he added.
In an order issued late Wednesday night, the Left government in Kerala stated that any unauthorised absence on the strike day would be treated as ‘dies non’ under Rule 14A of Part I of the Kerala Service Rules (KSR).
District Collectors, police chiefs, and departmental heads have been instructed to ensure smooth functioning of offices and to safeguard employees who choose not to participate.
KSRTC has been directed to operate adequate services to facilitate attendance.
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) in a press release congratulated the workers, farmers and agricultural workers who made the 12 February 2026 All India General Strike “a historic and resounding success.”
The press release further read: “Reports received up to 3:00 PM from across the country indicate that several crores of people participated in strike action, demonstrations, picketing and solidarity mobilisations. The strike witnessed massive participation from organised and unorganised sectors, public and private enterprises, multinational companies, scheme workers and rural toilers. Despite intimidation, prohibitory orders in some areas, court restrictions in certain establishments and sporadic attacks by anti-worker forces, the response was militant, disciplined and widespread.”
“In more than 2,000 places, thousands of workers, farmers, and agricultural and rural workers participated in massive mobilisations, marking this as one of the largest strikes in India. The mood of the people clearly expresses their determination for a do-or-die battle against the imposition of Labour Codes and other anti-worker policies. The huge mobilisation of farmers was also intensified due to the shameful India-US deal – the people of India will make imperialist forces retreat with courage and strength,” it added.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman and Dileep V Kumar.)
