Nationwide Trade Union Strike Cripples Key Sectors Across India
Bengal witnessed early disruptions on Wednesday as a nationwide strike, called by 10 central trade unions and supported by Left parties, took effect across the state. The protest, which began at 6 a.m., led to attempts to block train services at Diamond Harbour and Shyamnagar under the Sealdah division of Eastern Railways. Road blockades were also reported from multiple districts including Jalpaiguri, Asansol, and Bankura.
Despite the agitation, the state administration moved quickly to ensure normalcy. Additional police forces were deployed across major transit points and urban centres, while public transportation was strengthened with increased bus services. The government has made attendance mandatory for all state employees, reinforcing its position against shutdowns that disrupt public life and economic activity.
West Bengal CITU president Anadi Sahu said the strike was called in protest against the Centre’s economic and labour policies, including the rising cost of living, widespread joblessness, and the increase in contractual work. He criticised the new labour codes and the push for public sector privatisation, arguing they undermine workers’ rights and long-standing protections.
While the Centre maintains that consolidating 44 labour laws into four simplified codes is meant to benefit the working class, trade unions have alleged that the move dilutes key safeguards and increases employer control over working conditions.
The ruling Trinamool Congress government has consistently opposed bandhs in the state. Since taking power in 2011, the TMC has asserted that such strikes cause economic damage and inconvenience to the public. On Wednesday, it reiterated its commitment to uninterrupted governance, deploying resources to ensure that daily life in Bengal proceeds without significant hindrance.
