Published Feb 10, 2026 | 9:00 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 10, 2026 | 9:00 PM
Central Trade Unions leaders address the press . (AIUTUC/ Facebook)
Synopsis: The press release further criticising the labour codes said that, “They were brought without due process of law, no consultations with stake holders, not holding Indian Labour Conference defying international labour standards to which India as the Nation state is signatory. The codes were passed in the Parliament with brute force and in case of three codes even in absence of whole opposition from the Parliament and during Covid 19 period with Disaster Management Act which prevented gatherings. This was specifically done with the idea that no protests will be allowed by the police machinery.”
Various trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU LPF and UTUC, have called for a countrywide strike on Thursday, 12 February, to protest against against “anti worker four Labour Codes, VB GRAM G Act, Electricity Amendment Bill, Shanti Act, and Seed Bill.”
A press release by the Joint Committee of Trade Unions on Monday, 9 February, read: “The Joint Platform of Ten Central Trade Unions, and independent Sectoral Federations and Associations had given a call endorsed by the National Convention of Workers held on 9th January, for observing 12th February as Nationwide General Strike and massive mobilisations throughout the country across all sectors, formal/informal, government, public sector, industrial areas, rural and urban India.”
“The Samyukt Kisan Morcha extended full-fledged support for joining the protest and mobilisations on their demands and in support of the demands of trade unions. Similarly, the joint front of Agricultural workers unions is also in the campaign and joining the strike specially focusing on the restoration of MGNREGA,” the release further added.
According to Economic Times report, All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told reporters that this time “not less than 30 crore workers will participate in the strike.” She also informed that the strike will see its impact in 600 districts of the country.
The press release further criticising the labour codes said that, “They were brought without due process of law, no consultations with stake holders, not holding Indian Labour Conference defying international labour standards to which India as the Nation state is signatory. The codes were passed in the Parliament with brute force and in case of three codes even in absence of whole opposition from the Parliament and during Covid 19 period with Disaster Management Act which prevented gatherings. This was specifically done with the idea that no protests will be allowed by the police machinery.”
Claiming that the Union government has no intention to continue India as a Welfare State, the trade unions noted, “Replacing MGNREGA with VB GRAMG Act is clear indication. The women are not to get dignity of being part of the labour force, decent jobs, they are also being treated as objects to garner votes through various means. The youth is denied job, and in this budget also there is talk of employability and not of employment generation.”
The unions also criticised the latest deal with USA, “With 18 percent tariff on Indian goods whereas zero tariff on import of American goods to India is another blow to our farmers, animal husbandry sector and MSMEs. The statements of Ministers are contradictory to each other whereas US officials are telling clearly that USA farmers are going to get strong foothold in India for their produce. Our government has been surrendering India’s Interest in the foreign trade.”
The immediate demands of the strike were also focussed as:
While, Kerala braces for 24-hour national strike, the Joint Trade Union has announced exemptions for Sabarimala pilgrims and the Maramon Convention.
Kozhenchery and Thottapuzhassery grama panchayats have also been kept outside the purview of the strike.
Addressing a press conference, Joint Trade Union office-bearers said Kerala would be “completely paralysed” during the strike.
They said workers across all sectors, barring essential services such as milk supply, newspapers, hospitals, medical stores, fire and rescue services, and ambulances, would participate. Industrial, agricultural, commercial and trade activities are expected to come to a standstill, with shops and markets remaining closed and motor vehicles staying off the roads.
Shopping malls, including those in Special Economic Zones, will also be affected.
The strike has the backing of the Joint Farmers’ Front, farm labour organisations and political parties including the CPI(M) and CPI. Employees from banks, insurance, transport, ports, aviation, plantations, construction and gig platforms are expected to join.
However, the Kerala NGO Sangh said its members would stay away, calling the strike politically motivated.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
