Representative image of signboards during a strike.
Credit: iStock Photo
New Delhi: The country-wide general strike called by ten central trade unions has been deferred to July 9 after taking note of the “unfolding” political developments following the “heinous” Pahalgam terrorist attack and the response of the Indian armed forces.
The decision to postpone the strike from May 20 to July 9 came after the trade unions – INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC – reviewed the “evolving” situation on Thursday as decided a week ago.
At the same time, the trade unions have decided to hold demonstrations at state and district capitals, industry level and workplaces on May 20.
“After due consideration of the prevailing situation throughout the country, the Joint Platform as an integral part of the responsible patriotic citizenry of the country decided to reschedule the nationwide general strike from May 20 to July 9 against implementation of Labour Codes and other legitimate demands of the workers, farmers and people in general,” they said.
"However, most appallingly, even in the midst of such a critical situation prevailing in the country owing to terrorist massacre and consequent developments, the employers’ class actively supported by the governments at the centre and in many states is carrying on its onslaughts on the workers and employees…Working hours are being unilaterally increased, statutory minimum wages and social security benefits are being flouted," they said.
The trade unions also claimed in a statement that workers, particularly those on contract, are being "retrenched with impunity" while insisting that these were "nothing but heinous attempts to implement notorious Labour Codes through the backdoor".
Despite repeated persuasion by trade unions, it also said the government did not bother to meet and consult the trade unions or to hold Indian Labour Conference, despite receiving notices for strike from all corners of the country across the sectors.
"The Joint Platform also demands upon the Government of India to reciprocate the positive approach of the trade union movement and desist from any unilateral precipitative move in the matter of Labour Codes and other legitimate demands relating to working conditions and workers’ rights, both individual and collective and create any kind of provocations in this trying hour before the entire country," it added.