Banking and insurance unions have decided to join the nationwide general strike on July 9, called by various trade unions. The strike is being organised by central trade unions to protest against the Centre’s policies.
A nationwide Bharat Bandh has been called for 9 July, 2025 by a forum of 10 central trade unions , and their associates . Over 25 crore workers from key sectors will strike to protest against the Centre’s labour, economic and privatisation policies.
The Bharat Bandh is backed by ten central trade unions. These include Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), among others.
The remaining unions are Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). All have condemned the Centre’s pro-corporate policies.
Trade unions say their 17-point demand charter has been ignored by the Central Government of India. They accuse the Union Government of prioritising corporate interests and pushing anti-labour reforms and privatisation, while abandoning worker welfare.
Unions are opposing the four new labour codes, contractual hiring, privatisation, and the lack of wage hikes or job creation. They allege the new codes are designed to “suppress and cripple” trade unions, extend working hours and weaken workers’ rights.
The strike will affect banking, insurance, transport, telecom, postal services, coal mining and manufacturing. Many of these essential sectors may experience significant disruptions across the country.
The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), confirmed that major banking unions—including All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA), and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI)—will also participate in the strike.
Schools, colleges and most private offices are expected to function normally on 9 July. However, local disruptions may occur in some regions depending on staff availability and transport accessibility during the strike.
Public transport like buses, taxis, and app-based cabs may be affected due to protest marches and road blockades in several cities. Commuters should prepare for possible delays, cancellations, or traffic diversions.
