Trade unions call nationwide strike in February over labor codes
What's the story
A joint platform of 10 central trade unions and sectoral federations has called for a one-day nationwide strike on February 12, 2026. The protest is against the four labor codes notified last month. The date will be formally ratified at the National Workers's Convention scheduled for January 9, 2026. The unions are demanding the Indian government repeal these codes, which they claim are anti-worker.
Unified front
Unions unite against new labor codes
The joint platform includes prominent trade unions such as AITUC, HMS, CITU, INTUC, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, they said the government is trying to use all its institutional machinery and media to build a positive consensus around these codes. However, the workers are determined to fight against this unilateral imposition by the government and get these codes repealed.
Future plans
Unions threaten further action if demands are not met
The unions have threatened to escalate their protests if the government continues to notify rules under these codes and does not repeal them. Their future actions could include a multi-day general strike and sectoral resistance actions. The unions have also opposed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, claiming it would allow private and foreign players into hazardous nuclear power production for profit at the cost of national security.
Act opposition
Unions oppose replacement of rural employment guarantee act
The unions are also opposing the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. They argue that the new Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) Act replaces a rights-based rural employment guarantee at a time when people are suffering from extreme joblessness. The unions have also opposed allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, claiming it would effectively give foreign players control over domestic insurance companies.