Over 25 crore workers to strike on July 9: Bharat Bandh set to paralyze banks, transport

Over 25 crore workers across India are expected to join a nationwide strike on July 9 as part of a sweeping protest —‘Bharat Bandh’— against what unions call the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, pro-corporate” policies. The coordinated action is likely to disrupt crucial services, including banking, public transport, coal mining, postal operations, and state-run industries.

The strike has been called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, with support from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and rural labor groups. Farmers and agricultural workers have announced parallel protests in rural areas, signalling a massive mobilization across both organized and informal sectors.

“The government has ignored our 17-point charter of demands and hasn’t held the annual labor conference in a decade,” said Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), blaming policy inertia for growing worker unrest.

Among the unions’ core concerns are the new labor codes passed by Parliament, which they say dilute worker protections, expand working hours, weaken strike rights, and shield errant employers from penalties. Protesters are also targeting large-scale privatization of public sector units, rising contractualization, and the outsourcing of permanent jobs.

What to expect on July 9

While no formal railway strike is planned, local disruptions are anticipated as demonstrators gather at major railway hubs. Public transport, especially in state-run services, could face significant delays or halts. Banking services, too, are likely to be affected, with employees from public and cooperative banks expected to join despite no official call from banking unions.

Operations at coalfields, steel units, and public sector giants like NMDC may also see a hit as workers down tools. In contrast, schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open in most parts of the country.

With authorities preparing heightened security at transport hubs and government offices, commuters are advised to track local advisories and travel updates.

Bharat Bandhs in 2020, 2022, and 2024 drew millions to the streets. The strike could see a repeat of that scale, reflecting the simmering labor and agrarian anger ahead of upcoming legislative sessions.