CITU Slams Govt Labour Policies, Calls for Strike

The 18th All India Conference of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has called for a nationwide general strike on February 12 to protest against the labour policies of the BJP-led NDA government, which they claim are anti-worker and pro-corporate.

Speaking to the media, CITU’s national secretary, Tapan Sen, expressed that the Centre’s policies favor the affluent, leading to increased economic disparities and greater hardships for the poor. He criticized the Labour Codes, asserting that they undermine workers’ rights, including the right to form trade unions.

The conference also reviewed the organizational status of the union nationwide, with leaders sharing suggestions to strengthen the organization and intensify efforts to protect public and national interests.

Mr. Sen alleged that the BJP government is employing divisive politics based on caste and religion to divert attention from critical economic and social issues. He highlighted the situation at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, noting that the Centre has struggled to move forward with its privatization plans due to sustained opposition from workers and trade unions.

Regarding the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Mr. Sen argued that the proposed legislation would allow private distributors to use government-owned electricity grids to supply power for profit. He also mentioned that the introduction of prepaid smart meters is part of this strategy.

The CITU is conducting awareness campaigns in all states to educate the public about the potential impacts of the proposed amendment, and trade unions across the country have come together to organize protests against the bill.