India’s trade unions have called for a nationwide strike on 12th February 2026, demanding the repeal of labor codes and opposing recent government policies they say threaten workers’ rights. The unions cite changes in the SHANTI Act, MGNREGA, FDI in the insurance sector, and bills related to education and seeds as attacks on the livelihoods and rights of workers.
Strike Against Labor Reforms
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) said the strike decision followed a joint meeting of CTUs and various sectoral federations on 22nd December 2025. The strike will receive formal approval at the National Workers’ Convention on 9th January 2026 in New Delhi, where detailed action plans will also be discussed.
Key Issues Highlighted by Unions
One major concern is the recently passed Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. CTUs allege that the law allows private and foreign companies to enter highly risky nuclear energy production for profit while removing liability from suppliers in case of accidents. They argue that this threatens national security and sovereignty.
The unions also criticized amendments to rural employment laws. The new Developed India – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, 2025 allegedly replaces a rights-based employment guarantee with discretionary powers, shifts financial burdens to states, and restricts operations during harvest seasons, favoring cheap labor for landlords.
Another major concern is the government’s decision to allow 100% FDI in the insurance sector, which unions warn could lead to foreign companies dominating domestic insurance markets. Similarly, proposed bills like the Developed India Education Establishment Bill, 2025, Draft Seed Bill, and Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 are seen as threatening agriculture, domestic and MSME power consumers, and the public electricity sector.
Sectoral Support for Strike
Unions from various sectors have joined the call. The National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE) announced a regional strike on the same day. Meetings with electricity workers, engineers, and consumers are scheduled in January and February 2026, while nationwide protests against the SHANTI Act are planned for 23rd December 2025.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will observe “Resistance Day” at village and block levels on 16th January 2026, opposing the Seed Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, and VB-GRAMG Act, with full participation from CTUs.
Demand for Labor Code Repeal
The unions have demanded the repeal of labor codes, accusing the government of pushing these reforms unilaterally while using institutional machinery, media, and public sector management to generate support. They have warned that continued enforcement of these codes will compel unions to escalate actions, including prolonged general strikes and regional resistance.
Unions have urged all workers, the laboring public, youth, students, and opposition parties to support the nationwide strike on 12th February 2026 to safeguard workers’ basic rights and protect India’s democratic framework.
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