Workers join Bharat bandh in Maharashtra, demand to scrap new labour codes

Hundreds of workers in Maharashtra protest Bharat Bandh, demanding the repeal of new labor codes and better worker protections.

Hundreds of workers associated with the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) and other trade organisations in Maharashtra joined the nationwide strike, staging a protest on Thursday (February 12, 2026) against the implementation of four labour codes in the country.

The protesting unions claimed that the central government-implemented four labour codes lacked clarity on guaranteed benefits for unorganised and gig workers, while the Occupational Safety Code allegedly relaxed compliance requirements and inspections. “The 29 existing labour laws reduce the protections hard-won over decades,” the unions highlighted during the protest in Mumbai.

“Four labour codes are designed to weaken and destroy the trade unions. Cancellation of TU registration is made easy. Permanent employment will be replaced by fixed-term employment with hire and fire. Closures of factories are made easy. Organising a legal strike is made difficult, and the government will put you in jail for an illegal strike. Provident Fund contribution is reduced, and working hours can be increased to 12 hours per day,” said Shailendra Chauhan, General Secretary of Mumbai, CITU. 

A deserted view of a bank during the nationwide strike to protest against the various central government policies, in Mumbai on Thursday, February 12, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

At least 22 workers’ organisation, including Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), CITU, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (Farmer organization),Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union (BUCTU), and National Rail Major union under the leadership of the Joint Action Committee of workers’ and employees’ organisations decided to launch the protest against the Central government’s labour codes concerning workers and farmers. CITU, AITUC, and RWPI agitated in front of the Maharashtra Construction Workers Welfare Board in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex area.

RWPI activist Baban Thoke said, “One of the four labour codes, Industrial Relations Code, makes it easier for companies with up to 300 workers to lay off staff without prior government approval, weakens the right to strike by imposing stricter notice conditions, which I fear will reduce job security and sap the trade unions.”