On January 9, 2026, ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) met in Delhi and announced a general strike on February 12. The strike protests the Union government's plan to implement four Labour Codes. The CTUs demand the immediate withdrawal of these Codes. They also warned of an indefinite strike if the government does not comply. The Union Labour Ministry recently published draft Rules to enforce the Labour Codes. Trade unions say these laws aim to weaken unions and protect big business interests. The CTUs have organized five major strikes since these codes passed in Parliament during 2019-2020. The convention declaration pointed to worsening economic conditions, rising unemployment, and attacks on democratic rights. Trade leaders accused the government of privatizing major public sectors like railways, coal, oil, defence, banks, and telecom. About 6.5 million government jobs remain vacant but have not been filled. The unions also expressed support for farmers and criticized failures in basic services like water, health, and education. They said rising prices uproot people’s lives. The government was accused of favoring foreign companies over small businesses and MSMEs, the main job providers. The CTUs warned that if the government moves ahead with the Labour Codes without repeal, they will launch stronger protests, including multi-day strikes and sector-wise actions. The unions stressed that their fight is to protect workers’ rights against growing corporate control.