Gadwal – Workers across India are preparing for a major nationwide strike on May 20, following a call by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). The protest aims to challenge the current policies of the Central BJP government, which unions say are harmful to laborers.
V.V. Narasimha, CITU’s District Secretary, spoke at a meeting with municipal workers outside the Ieeja Municipal Office on Saturday. He urged workers to come together and make the strike a strong and impactful movement.
The meeting focused on the daily struggles of municipal employees, especially the lack of weekly holidays. Narasimha criticized the current system where workers are forced to work continuously without proper rest.
This strike isn’t limited to one group. It is a united effort by central trade unions, employee associations, farmer groups, and agricultural labor organizations. They are standing together against what they call anti-worker policies.
The protest has several clear demands:
– Cancel the four recently introduced labor codes
– Introduce a minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month
– Maintain the standard 8-hour workday
– Ensure a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers
– Expand MGNREGA to 200 workdays per year with a ₹600 daily wage
Narasimha stressed that mass participation is key. He said workers must show unity to pressure the government into changing its stance. “We’ll keep fighting until these unfair reforms are withdrawn,” he added.
On May 20, a large rally and public meeting will take place at the Ieeja Bus Stand Center. All workers—regardless of their sector—are encouraged to join and show support.
The meeting was led by Municipal Union President Mahendra. Other union leaders present included Veeresh, Anandu, Naresh, Chittemma, Annamma, Susheela, Rajesh, Shiva, and Maldakallu.
This strike is shaping up to be a powerful stand by India’s working class, demanding fairness, better wages, and stronger labor rights.
