A MEETING of the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and Independent Sectoral Federations/Associations was held on May 15, 2025 in New Delhi to review the preparatory activities for the nationwide General Strike originally scheduled for May 20, 2025. The meeting also took note of the unfolding political developments in the country following the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, and acknowledged the subsequent response of the Indian Armed Forces through their combat operations.

In its press statement dated May 9, the Joint Platform had unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and urged the government to take decisive action against those engaging in divisive hate campaigns within the country during such a critical time. The Platform also commended the immediate and collective response of working people across the country – including in Jammu & Kashmir – who stood united in condemning terrorism and hate-mongering, reaffirming their solidarity in the ongoing struggle against such forces.

After due consideration of the prevailing situation across the country, the Joint Platform – committed as it is to its responsibilities as part of the patriotic citizenry – has decided to reschedule the Nationwide General Strike from May 20 to July 9, 2025. The strike will be held to oppose the implementation of the anti-worker Labour Codes and to press for other legitimate demands of workers, farmers, and the broader populace. It was resolved that on May 20, massive demonstrations and mobilisations will be organised at the state capital, district, industry, and workplace levels.

Most shockingly, even amidst the national crisis following the terrorist massacre and its aftermath, the employer class – actively supported by governments at the centre and in many states – continues its attacks on workers and employees. Working hours are being unilaterally extended; statutory minimum wages and social security entitlements are being brazenly violated; and contract workers are being retrenched without accountability. These actions represent nothing less than an attempt to implement the controversial Labour Codes through the back door.

Despite repeated appeals from trade unions, the government has refused to engage in dialogue, has not convened the Indian Labour Conference, and has ignored strike notices coming from all sectors across the country.

In this context, the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and Independent Sectoral Federations/Associations calls upon all workers, unions, and federations across the country to continue their preparations with renewed vigour and to make the rescheduled General Strike on July 9, 2025 a resounding success.

At the same time, the Joint Platform demands that the Government of India respond positively to the trade union movement’s constructive approach and refrain from any unilateral or precipitative actions concerning the Labour Codes or other critical issues affecting workers’ rights – individual and collective, or create any kind of provocations during this difficult time for the country.