A joint platform of 10 central trade unions on Monday said a nationwide general strike scheduled for Thursday, February 12, will go ahead, with not less than 30 crore workers across the country expected to participate in protest against what the unions describe as anti-worker and pro-corporate policies of the Centre.
The call for the general strike was given on January 9, 2025, by the joint forum to oppose labour reforms, agricultural legislation and economic policies affecting workers and farmers.
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told reporters that participation this year is expected to surpass the previous mobilisation. “Not less than 30 crore workers will participate in the strike called on February 12 (Thursday). Last time on July 9, 2025, about 25 crore workers took part in the agitation,” she said.
Kaur said the strike is expected to affect activities in around 600 districts, up from nearly 550 districts during the previous nationwide protest. She said the estimates were based on extensive mobilisation at district and block levels and support from farmers’ organisations and sectoral federations.
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On the likely impact in BJP-ruled states, she said Odisha and Assam were expected to witness a near-total shutdown, while other states would also see a significant impact.
According to a statement issued by the joint forum, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha has extended full support to the strike and associated mobilisations. Agricultural workers’ unions have also joined the campaign, with a particular focus on the restoration of MGNREGA.
The unions said awareness campaigns have been carried out across states and sectors, including government, public and private establishments, industrial areas, and rural and urban regions. Students, youth groups and citizens’ organisations have also participated in the outreach efforts.
The immediate demands include scrapping the four labour codes, withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the SHANTI Act, restoration of MGNREGA, and repeal of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
The joint platform comprises INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC.
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