New Delhi: An astounding 25 crore workers are expected to be participating in a nationwide general strike today (July 9) in response to a call by 10 central trade unions for a protest against the Narendra Modi government's “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies."

Workers across banking, insurance, postal, mining, construction and other sectors, along with those associated with rural and agricultural organisations, like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are participating in this bandh.

Trade unions who have led the bandh call include Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Self Employed Women's Association, All India United Trade Union Centre, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Labour Progressive Federation, United Trade Union Congress and Trade Union Co-ordination Centre.

Reports say that the unions have also claimed that government departments have been increasingly hiring retired personnel instead of young professionals, citing examples from the Railways, NMDC Ltd, the steel sector, and education services. Given the fact that 65% of the population of the country is young, the unions have noted that this is an unfair practice.

These strikes also an escalation of labour unions' opposition to the labour codes, which they have long since claimed will weaken workers' rights, impose unfair hours on them and make unionising punishable.

Workers are also pushing for the annual labour conference to be held, after a pause of 10 years. The government, meanwhile, has continued to make decisions affecting the labour force.

While banks and transport are expected to ply normally.

In Kolkata, supporters of the bandh have blocked rail tracks at the Jadavpur railway station.

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