The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and Sectoral Federations/Associations said it will expose what it termed “false propaganda” by the government and corporate media to favour 4 labour codes
Exact date of the February strike will be finalised at the next meeting scheduled for December 22
Trade unions on Tuesday announced plans for a nationwide escalation of protests demanding the withdrawal of the four labour codes, declaring that their agitation will culminate in a countrywide general strike in February 2026.
In a statement issued by The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and Sectoral Federations/Associations after a hybrid meeting held on December 8, the platform said it would intensify campaigns across sectors, expose what it termed “false propaganda” by the government and corporate media, and resist any attempt to enforce the labour codes. The exact date of the February strike will be finalised at the next meeting scheduled for December 22.
Stiff resistance
The CTUs congratulated workers for their “widespread and spontaneous” protest actions since the government notified the labour codes, noting that “stiff resistance” over the past five years had earlier prevented their implementation. Demonstrations were reported on November 26 at district and workplace levels, the unions said, drawing participation not only from organised workers but also non-unionised employees, journalists and members of the BJP-aligned Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
The statement also highlighted large-scale mobilisation by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which joined the protests against the labour codes and the Seed Bill while pressing its own demands for MSP guarantees and farm loan waivers. Students and youth groups too took part in significant numbers, the platform noted.
The unions accused the government of running an “unprecedented propaganda campaign” to project the labour codes as beneficial, citing a surge in advertisements, paid news and supportive commentary. They said confusion prevailed across labour departments and courts due to the manner in which the codes were pushed through. The platform welcomed the united stand of opposition parties demanding repeal of the codes and appealed for continued support.
The meeting also took note of what it described as the “Indigo menace,” alleging corporate high-handedness and negligence that caused distress to thousands of passengers and workers. It demanded a judicial probe, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for affected people. The unions said the episode validated their long-standing warnings on privatisation and monopolisation of strategic sectors.
Immediate halt
Reiterating their opposition to the government’s privatisation plans, the CTUs demanded an immediate halt to disinvestment drives in electricity, petroleum, railways, defence, telecom and banking.
As part of the next phase of agitation ,State chapters have been asked to formulate action plans within a week for campaigns involving jathas, rallies, door-to-door outreach and sectoral protests. The unions said they would work closely with SKM and other people’s movements resisting “anti-people policies of a pro-corporate government.”
Calling upon opposition parties, students, youth and the wider public to join the struggle, the platform said resistance was essential “to save the basic rights of working people and protect the democratic fabric of the country.”
The statement was issued jointly by INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC.
Published on December 9, 2025
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