AITUC Announces Nationwide Strike on February 12 Over Labour and Farmer Policies

New Delhi: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has called for a one-day nationwide strike on February 12, 2026, in protest against what it describes as anti-worker and anti-farmer policies of the Central government. The strike is being organised in coordination with other central trade unions and farmers’ organisations across the country.

AITUC leaders said the strike aims to highlight concerns over recent labour reforms, privatisation of public sector units, rising unemployment, price rise, and issues affecting farmers, including minimum support price (MSP) guarantees and input costs.

In a statement, AITUC alleged that the implementation of the four new labour codes has weakened workers’ rights, diluted social security protections, and curtailed collective bargaining powers. The trade union body has demanded the rollback of the labour codes and restoration of what it calls “pro-worker safeguards.”

The organisation also expressed solidarity with farmers’ unions, raising demands for a legal guarantee of MSP, loan waivers for distressed farmers, and stronger measures to address agrarian distress. AITUC leaders said workers and farmers face common challenges due to economic policies that, according to them, favour corporate interests over labour welfare.

The strike call has reportedly received support from several public sector unions, bank employees’ associations, transport workers’ unions, and industrial labour groups. However, the extent of participation may vary across states depending on local mobilisation efforts.

Union representatives said peaceful demonstrations, rallies, and workplace stoppages are planned in major cities and industrial hubs. They urged workers from both organised and unorganised sectors to join the strike in large numbers.

Government sources have not yet issued an official response to the strike call. In previous instances, authorities have maintained that labour reforms are aimed at simplifying compliance, improving ease of doing business, and boosting employment opportunities.

With multiple trade unions and farmer groups backing the protest, the February 12 strike is expected to impact banking services, public transport, and certain government offices in parts of the country.

The development underscores ongoing tensions between labour organisations and the Centre over economic reforms and agricultural policies.