Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Feb 12: A one-day nationwide strike called by a joint platform of central trade unions against the Centre’s four new labour codes brought banking and insurance services to a complete halt in Jamshedpur on Thursday.
All major banks and insurance offices across the city remained shut, severely affecting public transactions. Employees of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and its affiliated units extended moral support to the strike. From 10 am onwards, trade union members staged a blockade at the main gate of a prominent bank branch in Bistupur, preventing both employees and customers from entering the premises.
Protest Against “Anti-Worker” Policies
Leaders of the trade unions alleged that the Centre has been pushing “corporate-driven” and “anti-labour” policies without adequate consultation. Jharkhand CITU General Secretary Bishwajit Dev stated that trade unions have been consistently protesting against what they describe as labour, farmer and nation-opposed policies of the government.
He recalled the massive nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, in which nearly 250 million workers reportedly participated against the labour codes.
According to him, widespread support from farmers and the general public had compelled the government to delay implementation of the new laws.
Despite persistent opposition, Dev alleged that the government continues to pursue policies favouring a handful of corporate entities at the cost of the working majority.
In this backdrop of rising unemployment, economic distress and concerns over democratic rights, a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, along with independent federations and associations, called for the February 12, nationwide strike.
Opposition to Labour Codes
Union leaders argued that the four labour codes were framed without consultation with trade unions and without convening the Indian Labour Conference (ILC).
They claim the new codes aim to weaken trade unions, curtail the right to strike and place nearly 70 per cent of factories outside the ambit of stringent labour laws.
According to the unions, the codes redefine wages, make union formation more difficult and dilute hard-won workers’ rights.
They allege that these measures would tilt the balance of power in favour of employers and large corporate houses.
Kolhan AITUC leader Hira Arkane criticised the draft “Shram Shakti Policy–2025,” alleging that it seeks to undermine the very concept of trade unions.
He claimed that the draft policy diminishes collective bargaining, reduces the role of state governments and departs from constitutional values such as equality and fundamental rights.
Concerns Over Vacancies and Privatisation
Union leader Om Prakash alleged that nearly 6.5 million government posts remain vacant across the country, while permanent jobs are increasingly being replaced with contractual, outsourced and trainee positions—even in public sector institutions.
He further accused the government of accelerating privatisation across key sectors including railways, ports, postal services, coal, oil, steel, defence, road transport, airports, banking, insurance, telecommunications and power generation.
He warned that such moves could threaten economic self-reliance and push essential services such as education and healthcare beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
The unions also reiterated their solidarity with farmers, recalling the repeal of three farm laws after sustained protests.
They expressed apprehension that new legislative measures could again open agriculture and agri-marketing to large corporate interests.
The strike passed off peacefully in Jamshedpur, though normal banking and insurance operations remained disrupted throughout the day.
