Workers Call for Nationwide General Strike on May 20th, 2025, to Protest Anti-Worker Policies

New Delhi, March 19, 2025 – The National Convention of Workers, held in New Delhi on March 18, 2025, by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and Independent Sectoral National Federations/Associations, has issued a call for a nationwide general strike on May 20th, 2025. This call comes in response to the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)  government that have been anti-worker, anti-people, and harmful to the working class and the nation’s economy.

The convention took stock of the alarming situation faced by workers across the country, highlighting the desperate push by the government to enforce policies that cater primarily to corporate interests, leaving the majority of India’s workforce struggling. The government’s third term in power has been marked by the implementation of policies that have led to widespread impoverishment, rising unemployment, deepening hunger and malnutrition, and an overall decline in the quality of life for millions of workers.

Economic Disparity and Corporate Gains

The government’s corporate-friendly policies have resulted in sky-high profits for big businesses, while wages for workers, especially in the informal sector, have stagnated or fallen. A recent economic survey revealed that wages for informal economy workers fell from 2017-2018 levels in 2023-2024, while the corporate sector saw a profit increase of 22.3%. Economic inequality is at its peak, with the wealthiest 5% of the population owning 70% of the nation's wealth, while 50% of the population holds just 3%.

Labour Codes: A Blueprint for Slavery

The key issues raised at the convention was the government’s push to implement the Labour Codes, which workers and unions argue would strip them of basic rights and protections. The codes are a direct attack on workers' rights, including their right to unionize, bargain collectively, and protest. The implementation of these Labour Codes is viewed as part of a broader agenda to undermine democratic and constitutional rights in the country.

The convention stressed that the government’s actions, including the introduction of the Labour Codes and the ongoing assault on democratic rights, are aimed at silencing any opposition to corporate-driven policies. The new legal framework, including the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), seeks to criminalize collective action by workers and punish union leaders with harsh measures, including non-bailable imprisonment. This crackdown has already been witnessed in several states, where trade union leaders are being targeted for their involvement in protests.

Corporate Decriminalization and the Erosion of Worker Rights

Another major concern raised by the workers was the government’s decision to decriminalize violations by big business and corporate entities. The Jana-Vishwas Act has already decriminalized 180 offences related to corporate violations of various laws, including labour laws. This has effectively given corporations a free pass to violate labour rights with minimal consequences.

Moreover, the government’s so-called “Ease of Doing Business” initiative has further eroded the rights of workers, with the labour law enforcement system weakened and employers being given more freedom to exploit workers.

Call for United Resistance and Mobilization

The National Convention of Workers has called for the implementation of the Labour Codes to be halted immediately. The convention reaffirmed the 17-point charter of demands, which focuses on securing a decent and humane working life for all workers, both in the organized and unorganized sectors.

The demands include the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, ensuring minimum wages with regular revisions, halting privatization of public sectors, and ensuring social security for workers in the informal economy. 

Massive Nationwide General Strike: May 20th, 2025

To press these demands and oppose the government’s anti-worker policies, the National Convention has called for a massive nationwide general strike on May 20th, 2025. The strike will be preceded by a series of preparatory campaigns and mobilizations at local and regional levels. The unions will organize conventions, protests, and rallies from March to May 2025, culminating in the nationwide strike.

The unions are mobilizing workers through various means, including Padayatras, jeep jathas, cycle jathas, and motorbike jathas, to reach out to every worker in the country.

The convention concluded with a firm resolve to continue the fight against the Labour Codes and other anti-worker policies. This strike is expected to have far-reaching implications for the government, the corporate sector, and the future of worker rights in India.