A nationwide general strike is planned for Thursday, February 12, 2026, bringing together fourteen national trade unions and a broad coalition of workers from agricultural, rural, and informal sectors.
Why Workers Are Striking
The strike is a protest against the four labour codes and several existing and proposed policies impacting both workers and farmers. Key demands include the withdrawal of the labour codes, restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a rollback of policies perceived to weaken Civil Services, restoration of the old pension scheme, and withdrawal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Farmers’ groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have also voiced concerns regarding the India-US interim trade framework, fearing potential negative consequences for Indian farmers.
Potential Disruptions
The strike is expected to affect 600 districts across the country, an increase from approximately 550 districts impacted during last year’s agitation. Odisha and Assam are anticipated to experience complete shutdowns, with significant disruptions expected in other states as well.
Impact on Essential Services
While essential services like hospitals, ambulance services, airports, and medical facilities will remain operational, disruptions are likely in banking, transport, and government offices. Private offices and ATMs are expected to remain open.
Travel and Commerce
Commuters should anticipate potential road blockades, or “chakka jams,” in various regions. State-operated buses and auto-rickshaws may be suspended in heavily affected areas. While train and flight services are scheduled to continue, access to stations and airports could be challenging due to local transportation disruptions. Wholesale markets and retail stores in states with strong union presence are likely to close.
Banking Sector
The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), the All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA), and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) are jointly protesting, which may affect public banking services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary reason for the strike?
The strike is being held to demand the repeal of the four labour codes and the withdrawal of several policies affecting workers and farmers.
Which states are expected to be most affected?
Odisha and Assam are expected to be entirely shut down, and 600 districts across the country are likely to experience disruptions.
Will essential services be impacted?
Essential services such as hospitals, ambulance services, airports, and medical facilities are exempt from the strike and will remain operational.
As the strike approaches, will the demands of the unions be addressed, or will the planned disruptions proceed as scheduled?
