Nationwide Bharat Bandh Today: Trade Unions and Farmers Unite Against New Labour Codes and India-US Trade Deal

Bharat Bandh Today LIVE Updates: A coordinated effort by a coalition of central trade unions has initiated a nationwide strike on Thursday, February 12, garnering considerable attention across India. This protest, supported by various farmers’ organizations under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, aims to voice strong opposition to the four new labour codes and the recent India-US trade agreement. The trade unions assert that these new labour codes, which have replaced a total of 29 existing labour laws, significantly undermine worker protections while providing employers with increased flexibility in hiring and firing practices. Concerns surrounding the implications of privatisation, stagnant wage growth, and the adequacy of social security benefits have also been raised by the unions. Participating organizations in this significant strike include the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). The unions estimate that approximately 30 crore workers from various sectors are anticipated to take part in the strike, with its effects expected to resonate across nearly 600 districts throughout the nation. As India witnesses this large-scale mobilization, the implications for the workforce, economic activity, and government policy will be closely monitored by analysts and stakeholders alike.