A joint platform of 10 Central trade unions and national federations has called for a nationwide general strike on February 12. The 24-hour protest against the new labour codes is expected to bring large parts of Kerala as well to a standstill, with educational institutions likely to remain closed as teachers and student organisations have announced their participation.
The Joint Action Committee said the 24-hour strike would witness widespread involvement across sectors, with political parties, including the CPM, declaring solidarity with the workers' movement. Strike leaders said all major employment sectors in the state are expected to be affected.
The call for the all-India strike was issued following a meeting held in Delhi on January 9, attended by 10 central trade unions, national federations and representatives of banks, insurance companies, Central and state government employees, and the education sector. Farmer organisations, along with women's, youth and student bodies, have also announced their participation.
In Kerala, workers from traditional sectors such as cashew, coir and handloom industries, fishing and fish marketing, as well as those employed in commercial establishments, markets and shops, are expected to join the protest.
Employees from ports, public sector undertakings, private industries, loading and unloading units, construction, scheme-based employment, lottery services, the employment guarantee programme, telecom, electricity, motor transport, online trade and the IT sector will also take part in the strike, according to trade unions.
Press and media employees are set to join the shutdown as well. Statewide sectoral mobilisation marches planned by the LDF have been rescheduled in view of the strike. District-level conventions have already been completed, while local conventions are to conclude by February 5.
Ahead of February 12, joint trade union committees will organise vehicle rallies and awareness marches, alongside expanded social and print media campaigns. After the strike, workers will stage street protests at area centres in all districts.
Trade unions said the agitation is aimed at opposing the new labour codes, which they allege have eroded workers' rights guaranteed under existing labour laws. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) said the right to organise and engage in collective bargaining, recognised by the International Labour Organization, is being undermined.
Unions further alleged that the new laws weaken the right to strike, make it easier to dismiss workers employed in social and voluntary organisations, and change bonus eligibility based on workforce size. Under the revised provisions, establishments employing fewer than 20 workers in a financial year are not required to pay bonuses.
Calling the labour codes anti-worker, the Joint Trade Union Committee urged workers to ensure the success of the nationwide general strike on February 12.