Bharat Bandh on July 9: What will be closed tomorrow as 25 crore workers go on strike?

About 25 crore workers will go on a nationwide strike on July 9, 2025. Workers from banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, highways and construction are expected to participate in the “Bharat Bandh”. The strike is being conducted to oppose governmental policies that have been described as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national, pro-corporate policies. 

The organisers, a forum of 10 trade unions, are expecting 25 crore workers, from both the informal and formal sectors, to participate, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The ten trade unions part of the forum are All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), HMS, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). 

According to Amarjeet Kaur of the AITUC, who spoke to PTI, “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country.”  

Multiple sectors will be affected and will be expected to be closed, including: 

• Banking and Finance services
• Postal departments
• Coal mining and factories
• State transport services
• Public sector units and government departments

What will remain open?

Schools and colleges are likely to remain open on Wednesday. Hospitals, shops, markets, government and private offices will also remain open and functional. Metros and airports will continue operating as usual. Transportation services may be disrupted or delayed due to protests.  

Why are the trade unions going on strike?

The forum had made a statement that said that the government has not been conducting the annual labour conference for the last 10 years, and that they have been making decisions that oppose the interests of the labour force. They also said that the government attempted to impose four labour codes to weaken collective bargaining, to cripple the union activities and favoured employers. 

They have also alleged that the government policies have caused rising unemployment, higher prices of essential goods, and cuts in welfare spending, education and health.

Last year, the unions submitted a charter of 17 demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The unions have claimed that the demands have not been met. 

The Samyuta Kisan Morcha and the joint front of the agricultural workers' unions have extended support to the strike, according to the union leaders.

India