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Over 30 crore workers from 10 central trade unions have joined a massive “Bharat Bandh” today to protest new labor codes and the India-US trade deal.
In an unprecedented show of labor solidarity, India is witnessing a massive nationwide general strike today, February 12, 2026. Organized by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions and backed by over 30 crore workers, the “Bharat Bandh” has effectively brought several sectors to a standstill, primarily in protest against new labor codes and the recently announced India-US interim trade deal.
The Core Grievances:
The strike is fueled by a combination of industrial and agrarian discontent:
Labor Codes : Unions are demanding the repeal of four new labor codes implemented in 2025, which they argue dilute workers’ rights, weaken job security, and provide employers with “hire and fire” flexibility.
India-US Trade Deal: Farmers’ bodies, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), have termed the new trade agreement a “total surrender.” They fear that opening Indian markets to American dairy, soybean and agricultural imports will devastate domestic livelihoods.
Other Demands: Protesters are also calling for the restoration of MGNREGA, the scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Impact Assessment: What’s Open and Closed
The strike has seen varying degrees of impact across the country, with Odisha, Assam, and Kerala reporting near-total shutdowns.
Banking Sector – Impact High – Public sector banks (SBI, PNB, etc.) are facing disruptions in cheque clearances and branch services as unions like AIBEA join the strike. ATMs remain functional.
Transport Sector – Impact – Moderate-High
-State-run buses (KSRTC, etc.) are off roads in many states. “Chakka Jam” (road blockades) reported in over 600 districts. Metros and flights are operational but access to hubs is difficult.
Education Sector – Impact Varies by State
-No national holiday, but schools in West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka are largely closed due to transport issues.
Essential Services No Impact – Hospitals, pharmacies, milk supply, and emergency services are exempt from the strike and functioning normally.
Scale of the Protest
According to Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), this year’s participation has jumped to 30 crore, up from 25 crore during the 2025 protests. The inclusion of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act as a point of contention has further galvanized rural workers.
“This is not just a strike, it is a resistance against the pro-corporate shift of our national policy,” stated a joint union communique.
