India | Indian Unions, Farmers Stage Nationwide Strike Against US Trade Deal and Labour Codes
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Quick summary
A coalition of major Indian trade unions and farmers' groups conducted a nationwide strike on , protesting an interim trade deal with the United States and new labour codes. The strike led to partial disruptions in public services and manufacturing across several states, as protesters argued the policies undermine farmers' interests and workers' rights.
A coalition of major Indian trade unions and farmers' groups conducted a nationwide strike on , to protest an interim trade deal with the United States and new labour codes. The strike led to partial disruptions in public services and manufacturing activities across several states. Protesters argue the trade agreement undermines the interests of farmers and small businesses, while the labour codes weaken workers' rights.
Strike Details and Impact
The nationwide strike, also termed a Bharat Bandh, was organised by a broad coalition including central trade unions such as the All India Trade Union Congress, and prominent farmers' organisations like the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). Around 30 crore workers from various sectors were expected to participate in the agitation.
The one-day strike partially disrupted public services and manufacturing activities across several states. While states like Odisha and Kerala experienced significant impacts on transport and daily life, other regions saw a mixed or limited effect on normal routines.
Protesters' Demands
Trade unions and farmers' groups voiced strong opposition to the interim trade deal with the United States and the recently operationalised labour codes. Protesters argue that the trade agreement opens the Indian market to subsidised US agricultural products, thereby threatening the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) described the interim India–US trade agreement as a 'total surrender' of India's agricultural sovereignty to multinational corporations.
Regarding the new labour codes, the unions contend that these policies were enacted without sufficient consultation, bypassing the Indian Labour Conference, and are viewed as a structural assault on collective bargaining. They claim the codes weaken workers' rights and job security, restrict the right to strike, dilute wage protection mechanisms, and undermine social security. Additionally, the strike also targeted other government policies, including privatisation, contractualisation, proposed changes to MGNREGA, and the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025.
Government's Position and Background
The interim trade agreement between India and the United States was announced around , as a framework towards a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement. Under this agreement, India is set to reduce or eliminate tariffs on various US industrial, food, and agricultural products, including items like dried distillers' grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, and wine. The US, in turn, has reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent. Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal recently defended the pact, stating it expands exports, attracts investments, and strengthens strategic ties, while also asserting that the interests of farmers in the agriculture and dairy sectors were protected. A revision to the deal was noted on , removing "pulses" from the list of products slated for tariff reductions.
The four new Labour Codes—the Code on Wages, 2019; Code on Social Security, 2020; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020—became fully operational from . These codes consolidate 29 central labour laws with the stated objective of streamlining compliance, promoting ease of doing business, and extending protections to new categories of workers. They also introduce a 'one central registration' framework for employers across India to simplify compliance. Lawmakers from opposition political parties, during parliamentary sessions, demanded that the government scrap the trade deal.
Key Takeaways
- A nationwide strike was conducted on , by Indian trade unions and farmers' groups against an interim US trade deal and new labour codes.
- The protests led to partial disruptions in public services and manufacturing activities across several states.
- Protesters argue the US trade deal threatens farmers' livelihoods by opening markets to subsidised products, while the labour codes weaken workers' rights and job security.
- The interim US trade deal, announced in early , involves mutual tariff reductions and aims to strengthen economic ties.
- The four new Labour Codes, operational from , consolidate 29 laws, aiming for simplified compliance and extended worker protections, according to government statements.
People Also Ask
- What was the main reason for the nationwide strike on ?
The strike was primarily called by a coalition of Indian trade unions and farmers' groups to protest against an interim trade deal with the United States and the government's new labour codes, along with other policies.
- Which groups participated in the strike?
The strike saw participation from major central trade unions and prominent farmers' organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), with an expected 30 crore workers joining.
- What are the new Labour Codes that were protested?
The codes protested include the Code on Wages, the Code on Social Security, the Industrial Relations Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, which became fully operational from .
- What are the key aspects of the India-US interim trade deal?
The interim trade deal involves India reducing tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods, while the US has reduced tariffs on certain Indian products. The Indian government views it as a step to boost exports and investments.
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