India-massive general strike of 250 million workers against Modi government

 State repression failed to stop the massive mobilisation of workers and farmers across India

The Indian working class once again flexes their muscle and organised historic general strike of more than 250 million workers. The workers and farmers took part in the strike across India. All efforts to intimidate and repress the workers failed to stop this general strike taking place. Despite repression, a joint general strike by workers and farmers has shut down India. Over 250 million workers took part in the 26 November strike.

A nationwide strike is being observed on Thursday by 10 central trade unions to protest new labour policies and laws introduced by the Modi government. The 10 central unions include Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC) and Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).

Others are All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). However, the RSS affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) did not participated in the strike.

Banking operations were hit hard as the All India Bank Employees' Association also joins the trade unions' one-day strike.

The All India Bank Employees' Association accused the Modi government of pushing its agenda of privatisation in the name of 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat', and is resorting to large scale privatisation in core sector of the economy which includes banking.

The trade unions have asked the Modi government to provide 200 days' work in a year at enhanced wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

The unions are demanding the withdrawal of 'anti-farmer laws and anti-worker labour codes'. They are also demanding to stop privatisation of public sector, including the financial sector and corporatisation of government-run manufacturing and service entities like railways, ordnance factories, and ports.

Indian trade unions condemned the arrests of workers’ and farmers’ leaders across the country as they demonstrate together in one of the biggest ever nationwide general strikes.   Indian trade union leaders issued a clarion call to the government to repeal anti-worker labour codes and anti-farmer farm laws as a massive mobilization of industrial and agricultural workers and farmers across the country disrupted normal life across the country, in rural and urban areas.

All over the country, both public and private sector employees participated in the strike. The united front of the over 250 farmers organizations, All India Kisan Sangharsh Co-ordination Committee (AIKSCC), extended support to the trade union strike and the unions extended their support to the farmers’ “Chalo Delhi” (Go to Delhi) mobilization on 26 and 27 November. Farmers are protesting against recent anti-farmer laws which would withdraw the government’s minimum support price for farm products, with serious implications for farmers’ income and livelihoods.

Trade union leaders expressed concerns that, using Covid-19 as an excuse, the government has unleashed wide scale repression. Police used violent means to attempt to stop hundreds of thousands of workers and farmers who are on their way to Delhi to demonstrate peacefully in the capital city on 26 and 27 November.

Sanjay Vadhavkar, general secretary of SMEFI and IndustriALL executive committee member said,

“Despite the severe police actions across the country, workers enthusiastically participated in the strike. The recent labour law changes, including the new codes on social security, wages and industrial relations, should be revoked as they fall short of protecting fundamental principles and rights at work.

“On many aspects they go against India’s commitments in the international human rights and labour rights forums. Mishandling of Covid-19 and anti-people economic policies pushed millions into misery. This strike and the joint action with farmers will send a strong message to government demanding workers’ and people-oriented policies.”

We condemn the violent means used to stop the democratic expression of dissent. IndustriALL stands in solidarity with the Indian trade union movement and commends their effort in forming a broad-based alliance with farmers and agricultural workers against anti-people policies.

“Indian trade unions demands are genuine, especially in today’s situation with high unemployment and job losses, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic ravaging the world, and in particular India. The government should listen to the trade unions and hold genuine dialogue to resolve issues.”

The joint trade union charter of demands:

Direct cash transfer of Rs 7,500 (US $101) to all families who earn less than the income tax threshold

10kg free ration per person every month to all in need.

Expansion of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to provide employment from the current 100 days to 200 days work in rural areas with enhanced wages, and extension of this programme to urban areas

Withdrawal of all anti worker labour code changes and anti-farmer laws

Stop privatization of public sector corporations, including those in the finance sector. Stop the corporatization of government-run manufacturing and services entities in railways, ordinance manufacturing, ports and similar areas.

Withdraw the draconian circular of forced premature retirement of government and public sector employees.

Provide a pension to all, restore earlier pension scheme and improve EPS 95.

                                           Rukhsana Manzoor Deputy editor