A nationwide strike called by multiple trade unions on Thursday is expected to have a major impact in Kerala, where it could resemble a near-complete shutdown. The protest has been organised by groups representing agricultural labourers, rural workers, and those employed in the informal sector, with key demands focused on labour rights and policy rollbacks.
Disruptions are likely across banking services, public transport, and several government offices in different parts of the state. Essential services such as hospitals, ambulance operations, airports, medical stores, milk supply, ATMs, and many private establishments are expected to continue functioning.
The strike centres around opposition to the four labour codes introduced by the government. Trade unions argue that the new framework could weaken worker protections, limit the right to strike, reduce social security coverage, and shift the balance in favour of corporate employers. They have also raised concerns about wage security, employment stability, and protections for unorganised workers.
Apart from labour reforms, the protest includes broader demands linked to agriculture, employment, and public policy. These include restoring the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in its stronger form, reviewing the National Education Policy 2020, reconsidering the Electricity and Seed Bills, ensuring fair minimum wages, providing social protection for informal workers, regularising contract employees, controlling inflation, and guaranteeing minimum support prices for farmers.
Ten major national trade unions are participating in the strike. These include organisations such as the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, and the Self-Employed Women’s Association.
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Political leaders associated with labour movements have criticised the labour codes, claiming they reduce long-standing safeguards achieved through decades of worker struggles. They have also raised concerns about proposed changes to working hours and social security systems, warning that such measures could negatively affect worker welfare and job stability.
With strong union participation and widespread mobilisation, the strike is expected to draw significant public attention. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the protest unfolds, while commuters and businesses prepare for possible disruptions across the state.
