In response to a nationwide strike call by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, workers across key public service sectors—banking, insurance, coal, postal, and power—are set to go on strike today, July 9. The strike, described as a ‘Bharat Bandh’, is expected to significantly disrupt regular operations across various government sectors.
Banking services are likely to be hit hard, with all public sector banks across the region remaining closed. Jaiwant Gurway, Chairman of the Eastern Maharashtra Bank Employees Association, confirmed the participation of over 15,000 bank staff from Vidarbha alone. “Normal banking operations across branches will come to a complete halt,” he stated.
Coal production is also expected to be affected as workers from Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) join the protest. C.J. Joseph, General Secretary of AITUC (WCL), said preparations have been underway for several days. “Protests will be staged at all area offices and the WCL headquarters. This will impact both coal extraction and dispatch operations,” he noted.
The electricity sector is set to witness substantial participation, with more than 60% of the workforce from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (Mahavitaran), Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co Ltd (Mahapareshan), and Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (Mahanirmiti) expected to join the strike. CM Mourya, Vice-President of the Maharashtra State Electricity Workers Federation and AITUC’s Nagpur District Secretary, confirmed widespread worker mobilisation for the cause.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), one of the country’s largest trade unions, has distanced itself from the strike. In a press release, BMS State General Secretary Gajanan Gatlewar described the bandh as politically driven and confirmed that BMS units and affiliates would not participate. “Our focus remains on constructive dialogue with policymakers, especially regarding increasing the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 95 and addressing other worker-related concerns,” he stated.
With large-scale worker participation anticipated, the strike is likely to affect public transportation and government-run utilities in several regions, causing inconvenience to citizens throughout the day.
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