10 trade unions of India have called for a nationwide strike, "Bharat bandh" on November 26 against the government's policies which include privatization of public sector units and new labor and farm laws. It has also been decided by the unions that they will back a two-day farmers' agitation against the farm laws on November 26 and 27.
The announcement of a nationwide call was done by the union leaders on Saturday where they said, all the sectors, except those who are part of essential services, will take part in the November 26 strike.
Besides 10 major trade unions, employees’ unions in insurance, banking, Railways, and State and Central government institutions will participate in the bandh, which will begin on November 25 midnight and end on November 26 midnight. It has been estimated that nearly 1.6 crore workers will stage protest against the Centre on November 26.
As per the statement, the preparatory campaign for the November 26 strike against "the anti-people, anti-worker, anti-national and destructive policies of the BJP government led by Modi has been going on with great enthusiasm all over the country."
It is pertinent to mention here, the union leaders have also urged the owners of private vehicles to cooperate with them in staying off the road except for any emergency.
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The united platform of the peasants' organizations, the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), have also extended support to the general strike. "It is heartening that the peasants, who are already in the midst of the struggle against the draconian farm laws passed by the Modi govt, support the workers fighting against the anti-worker measures of this government," read the statement.
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), are the unions which will participate in November 26 strike.
Key demands of trade unions:
Abolition of anti-labor and anti-farmer bills
Payment of Rs 7,500 in the accounts of each non-tax paying family
Monthly supply of 10 kg of food grains to needy families
MGNREGS expansion to give 200 workdays every year, higher wages, and the scheme’s implementation in urban areas
End to privatization in sectors such as railways, ports, defense, power, aviation, mining, and finance
No forced dismissal of employees in PSUs and pension for everyone