Trade unions plan strike on May 20

Ranchi: Eight central trade unions and independent federations in Jharkhand voiced strong opposition to the Centre's four labour codes during a meeting held at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi on Sunday.

Under the banner of Sanyukta Manch, the unions announced plans for a nationwide strike on May 20, along with widespread protests at workplaces and streets. The meeting saw participation from major unions including the All India Trade Union Congress, Indian National Trade Union Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), and Hind Mazdoor Sabha.

AICCTU representative Subhendu Sen said that while the Centre passed the labour codes in Sep 2020, they remain unimplemented due to worker protests. "The NDA govt plans to enforce these laws in its third term under corporate pressure, which would severely restrict workers' basic, democratic, and constitutional rights," Sen said.

The unions accused the Centre of creating an atmosphere of fear through various means: violating existing labour laws, promoting contractual work systems, encouraging outsourcing, denying social security benefits, and suppressing trade union movements. They claimed that union leaders face suspension, dismissal, and false arrests.

The Sanyukta Manch has called for support from the public, intellectuals, political representatives, organizations, and parties for the May 20 strike. Jharkhand Kisan Sabha leader Sufal Mahto announced that rural areas would also observe a bandh on the same day.