Over 30 Crore Workers to Join Nationwide Strike on Feb 12

A nationwide general strike called by central trade unions is set to go ahead on February 12, with organisers claiming that more than 30 crore workers from across India are expected to participate in the protest.

The strike has been convened by a joint platform of ten central trade unions to register opposition to what they describe as pro-corporate policies and measures detrimental to workers and farmers. The call for the agitation was issued earlier this year, with preparations reportedly underway at district and block levels across the country.

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said the scale of participation is expected to surpass previous mobilisations. According to her, around 25 crore workers had joined a similar protest in July 2025, while this time the outreach and coordination suggest an even larger turnout. The strike is likely to affect activities in nearly 600 districts, compared to about 550 districts during the previous agitation.

Trade unions claim that the movement has drawn support from farmers’ groups, sectoral federations, students and youth organisations, along with workers from government, public and private establishments. Agricultural labour unions are also set to join, with key demands including the restoration of MGNREGA and stronger protections for rural livelihoods.

Union leaders indicated that states such as Odisha and Assam could witness widespread disruption, while other regions are also expected to feel the impact across industrial belts and service sectors. Strike notices have reportedly been served in several industries as part of full-scale preparations.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has extended its support to the protest, backing the unions’ demands and mobilising its network to participate in demonstrations and related activities.

Among the key issues raised by the unions are the scrapping of the four labour codes and associated rules, withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill and the Electricity Amendment Bill, restoration of MGNREGA, and reconsideration of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

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