New Delhi: The 24 hour Bharat bandh of 8 January called by many opposition trade unions will begin from midnight onwards. The trade unions plan to shut down the nation which is a big blow to India’s economy. The opposition trade unions are calling the shutdown to protests against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, and privatisation. They unions are is trying to force a 12-point program of demands for minimum wage and social security.
The INTUC, AITUC, CITU, AIUTUC, SEWA, are some of the trade unions going on strike tomorrow. Meanwwhile, the merchant association in Kerala has said that it would not be part of the strike called by the trade unions.
The central government has issued warnings to the protesting employees against participating in the Bharat bandh. The government has asked Public Sector Units to have contingency plans to ensure the smooth functioning.
The government in an office memorandum said, “Any employee going on strike in any form, including protest, would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action.”
In addition it said, “Suitable contingency plan may also be worked out to carry out the various functions of the ministry/department.”
Reports say that the banking sector will be impacted by the strike tomorrow as many bank employees threaten to join the strike. Around five bank unions have extended their support to the strike.
