Mixed response across states as central trade unions mobilise against Labour Codes and alleged pro-corporate policies; normal life continues in most regions
New Delhi: Normal life across India remained largely unaffected on Thursday despite a one-day nationwide strike call given by a joint forum of central trade unions protesting against the Centre’s alleged “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies.”
While the unions claimed large-scale mobilisation, reports from several states indicated only a mixed response, with essential services and commercial establishments functioning normally in many parts of the country.
According to the joint forum, nearly 30 crore workers were mobilised for the “general strike” opposing the new Labour Codes and other policy measures.
“The general strike has started across the country this morning. We have received reports of agitation from several states,” All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told PTI.
She added that sectors such as banking, insurance, postal services, transport, health, coal and non-coal mines, gas pipelines and electricity could be affected by the strike.
Odisha witnesses significant disruption
Among the states reporting visible disruption was Odisha, where a 12-hour bandh affected public transport, markets, educational institutions and business establishments. Major roads, including national and state highways, were reportedly blocked in several districts.
The impact was felt in key urban centres such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Berhampur and Sambalpur, where vehicular movement and commercial activities were partially disrupted.
Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh see partial impact
In Jharkhand, banking, insurance and coal sectors were affected, according to Bank of India Employees' Union state Deputy General Secretary Umesh Das. Left parties and the Congress extended support to the strike in the state.
In neighbouring Chhattisgarh, several nationalised banks remained closed as employees joined the agitation. Insurance companies, post offices, labourers and farmers also participated, leading to partial disruption in operations. Mining activities were partially hit.
However, transport services functioned normally, and shops and markets largely remained open. In Durg district, operations at the Bhilai Steel Plant continued without disruption.
Tamil Nadu ports and the industrial belt are affected
In Tamil Nadu, port operations in Chennai and Thoothukudi were impacted as workers staged protests. The industrial hub of Sriperumbudur witnessed gate meetings and demonstrations by workers of several manufacturing units.
While production in some automobile and electronics facilities continued with reduced manpower, goods movement in the Sriperumbudur-Oragadam belt was delayed due to a shortage of transport vehicles.
Kerala observes low attendance
In Kerala, the state government declared the day as dies-non for government employees. Transport services, including KSRTC and private buses, remained off the roads, significantly affecting commuters. Auto-rickshaw unions also suspended operations.
Shops and businesses were likely to remain closed in view of the 24-hour strike, leading to low attendance in government offices.
Limited response in several states
Punjab’s ruling AAP extended support to the strike, announcing that its cadre would participate alongside workers and farmers. In Goa, banking operations were affected while essential services continued uninterrupted.
Over 25,000 civilian employees in defence establishments across Madhya Pradesh reported to work an hour late in symbolic support. However, markets, schools and colleges remained open. The strike call failed to evoke a notable response in West Bengal, Tripura and Gujarat, where public transport, government offices, banks and markets functioned as usual. Major cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot reported normal business activity.
Trade unions list key demands
The joint forum of trade unions, comprising INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC, has demanded the scrapping of the four Labour Codes and their associated rules.
The unions are also seeking the withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act.
Additionally, they have demanded restoration of MGNREGA and the withdrawal of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025.
On the Other hand, the Central government has maintained that the Labour Codes aim to simplify compliance, improve ease of doing business and enhance worker welfare, asserting that reforms are essential for economic growth even as trade unions continue to oppose their implementation.
Source: PTI, statements by trade union leaders and state-level reports
