The 48 hour-long national strike will start from midnight of January 7 and is likely to have a major impact in Left-dominated states of Kerala and West Bengal. As per reports around 20 crore workers of the Central Trade Unions is protesting against the government’s alleged anti-worker policies
According to AITUC general secretary Amarjeet Kaur, 10 CTUs have joined hands to go on the strike and 20 crore workers are expected to join the Bharat Bandh. The strikes will also be joined by farm unions under the aegis of the Left peasant wings. “This is the largest number of workers from formal and informal sectors joining the strike against anti-people and anti-worker policies of the BJP-led central government,” added Kaur while addressing a joint press conference of the 10 CTUs.
Who is Supporting Bharat Bandh?
The 10 Central Trade Unions going on strike include Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, Trade Union Coordination Centre, Self Employed Women’s Association, All India United Trade Union Centre, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Labour Progressive Federation, and United Trade Union Congress. Farm unions like All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) cand Bhumi Adhikar Andolan are also a part of the protest.
Major independent federations of central employees, state employees and the employees of banks, insurance, telecom, and other service sectors representing the workers and employees of all the industries and services including transport services, both in organized and unorganized sectors have also extended its support to the Bharat Bandh Call.
Student and teacher organisations of various universities are also supporting the strike
Bharat Bandh: What are the demands?
The central trade unions during the convention held in September 2018 had given the call for a nation-wide strike accusing the Modi government of “arrogantly ignoring” the 12-point Charter of Demands on minimum wage, universal social security, workers’ status and including pay and facilities for the scheme workers, against privatisation of public and government sector including financial sectors.
Laying out their demands, the convention at the time also denounced the “communal and divisive machinations in society being carried on with the active patronage from the government”.
Who is Opposing the Bharat Bandh?
Of course, apart from the BJP, RSS’ affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not participate in the strike. The effect which is likely to be most visible in the state of Kerala and West Bengal which is Left dominated, officials in the Kerala Trade and Industries Coordination Forum said that they will not participate in the in the Bharat Bandh Call.
Similarly, the Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association, Kerala Travel Mart Society, Kerala Textile and Garment Dealers Association and Bakers Association will also stay away from the strike on Tuesday and Wednesday.
West Bengal: Clash between TMC and CPM workers in Asansol during 48-hour nationwide strike called by Central Trade Unions demanding minimum wages, social security schemes & against privatisation of public and government sector. pic.twitter.com/5oM6TWxnx7
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019
In the meanwhile, Clash between TMC and CPM workers in Asansol reported during 48-hour nationwide strike called by Central Trade Unions demanding minimum wages, social security schemes & privatizationtisation of public and government sector.