Bharat Bandh against Centre’s policies on July 9: What to expect and who’s participating

Ten major central trade unions have called for a Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, in protest against what they term as the central government’s anti-labour and anti-farmer policies. The unions accuse the government of favouring corporates at the cost of workers and farmers. Around 25 crore workers across sectors such as banking, insurance, postal services, transport, and coal mining are expected to join the strike.

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Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) confirmed that rural workers and farmers will also participate, adding momentum to the nationwide shutdown.

What Will Be Affected?

According to Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), essential services including banking, postal, and insurance operations may face major disruptions. Coal mines, factories, and sections of the transport sector are also expected to halt operations.

Public transport, including buses and app-based cabs, may be affected if drivers join the strike. Parents may need to make alternative arrangements for school transport.

What Will Remain Unaffected?

Despite the strike, schools, colleges, and universities will remain open. Railway unions are not participating, ensuring that train services continue as usual. Banking unions have not officially confirmed their participation, but organizers warn of possible disruptions in banking activities.

Who is Supporting the Bandh?

Supporting organizations include:

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA)
All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Demands and Grievances

The unions submitted a 17-point charter of demands last year, which they say was ignored. Key concerns include:

• Deterioration of union rights through labour code reforms
• Promotion of contract employment and privatization
• Rising unemployment and inflation
• Cuts in spending on health, education, and welfare
• Lack of action on public sector recruitment and wage hikes

Trade unions argue the government has abandoned the welfare state model and failed to hold the Indian Labour Conference for the past decade.