“Over 250 million workers join national strike in India”, 26 November 2020

Indian trade unions condemned the arrests of workers’ and farmers’ leaders across the country as they demonstrate together in one of the biggest ever nationwide general strikes. Indian trade union leaders issued a clarion call to the government to repeal anti-worker labour codes and anti-farmer farm laws…

Sanjay Vadhavkar, general secretary of SMEFI and IndustriALL executive committee member said,

“Despite the severe police actions across the country, workers enthusiastically participated in the strike. The recent labour law changes, including the new codes on social security, wages and industrial relations, should be revoked as they fall short of protecting fundamental principles and rights at work.

“On many aspects they go against India’s commitments in the international human rights and labour rights forums...”

Valter Sanches, general secretary of IndustriALL Global union said,

“We condemn the violent means used to stop the democratic expression of dissent. IndustriALL stands in solidarity with the Indian trade union movement and commends their effort in forming a broad-based alliance with famers and agricultural workers against anti-people policies.”