Bharat Bandh 2025: Why Trade Unions Are on Strike and What They’re Demanding
The Bharat Bandh observed on July 9, 2025, has seen widespread participation by workers and farmers across India, led by a united forum of 10 central trade unions. The strike was called to protest against what the unions describe as anti-worker and anti-people policies of the Central Government.
At the heart of the protest is a 17-point charter of demands, which includes the withdrawal of fixed-term employment policies and the scrapping of the Agnipath military recruitment scheme. Among other key demands are:
- Restoration of the non-contributory Old Pension Scheme
- A minimum monthly pension of ₹9,000 for EPFO subscribers
- Guarantee of an 8-hour workday
- Implementation of Indian Labour Conference recommendations to grant worker status to scheme-based employees such as Anganwadi, ASHA, Midday Meal, and Asha Kiran workers
- ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) coverage for all such scheme workers
The trade unions have strongly criticised the four new labour codes passed by Parliament, alleging that they are designed to weaken the trade union movement. According to union leaders, the codes aim to increase working hours, reduce the rights of workers to collective bargaining, limit the right to strike, and even decriminalise violations of labour laws by employers.
They argue that the government’s current economic policies are exacerbating unemployment, inflation, and wage stagnation, while cutting spending on essential sectors like education, health, and public infrastructure. These issues, they say, are deepening the inequalities and miseries faced by the poor, lower-income, and middle-class sections of society.
In addition to labour-related demands, the Bharat Bandh is also in support of farmers’ demands, including:
- A legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendation of C2 cost plus 50%
- Complete loan waivers for farmers facing financial distress
Major trade unions such as CITU, INTUC, and AITUC are spearheading the strike, demanding an end to contractualisation, rollback of PSU privatisation, and an increase in the minimum wage to ₹26,000 per month.
Despite the government’s claim that several unions, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), are not participating, the organisers maintain that the strike has received massive support and represents a collective voice against ongoing economic injustices.
As the Bharat Bandh unfolds, its impact is being felt across transportation, banking, and essential public services, with protesters urging the government to initiate sincere dialogue and policy reforms.
