On February 12, Jantar Mantar in New Delhi served as a focal point for a major gathering as part of a nationwide general strike (Bharat Bandh). Unfortunately, the gathering drew fewer than 500 people. These people were presented as workers, but most were college students. The demonstration was organised by a joint platform of over 10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs), including CITU, AITUC, and INTUC, as well as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). This dismal demonstration by the Trade Unions further proves that workers are no longer interested in their tall talk, as the Unions have miserably failed to protect the interests of the working class in India. Things have also changed. There are now a negligible number of workers. Their way of working has changed. They have become habituated to the new facilities. Therefore, they cannot be herded like the workers of the eighties or even the nineties.
The protesters called
for the repeal of the four new labour codes, the restoration of MGNREGA (which
they claim has been undermined by recent acts), and the withdrawal of the
Electricity Amendment Bill and the Draft Seed Bill. These Trade Unionists are themselves
unaware of the nuances of the new labour codes. It will, therefore, be
advisable for trade unionists to organise a refresher course on the new labour
codes, where they can invite young professionals such as Yajat Kumar of the
LLR, the grandson of the legendary lawyer, the late HL Kumar.
Impact of the Strike
The overall impact of
the Bandh calls across Delhi and the rest of the country was muted. The strike
had some impact in states like Kerala, where public transport and banking were
somewhat disrupted. In other regions such as West Bengal and Gujarat, life
remained largely normal. Public sector banks saw partial disruptions in some
places, as major unions like AIBEA joined the strike, affecting cheque
clearances and counter services in several branches.
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