General strike on new labour codes: Protests in Hubballi and Dharwad

Protests in Hubballi and Dharwad to oppose new labour codes, claiming they threaten workers' rights and union formation.

Members of various trade unions’ and employees’ associations organised protests in Hubballi and Dharwad on February 12 as part of a nationwide general strike called by JCTU against the new labour codes.

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In Hubballi, the march began at Sangolli Rayanna statue and concluded at Ambedkar statue, opposite the head post office.

In Dharwad, the protest march began from and concluded at Kalabhavan, after covering the thoroughfares of the city. Subsequently, a protest meeting was held at the same venue.

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In the protest meeting held near Anbedkar statue, Hubballi Dharwad Employees’ Association General Secretary Stephen said trade unions were opposing the proposed privatisation and merger of banks as well as the move to bring foreign capital into public sector banks. He said the unions were also protesting against outsourcing, recruitment policies, and the implementation of the new labour codes.