13 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

EconomySocial IssuesNEWS

30 Crore Participate in Nationwide Strike Against Labor Codes, FTAs

Central trade unions report massive participation protesting labor reforms and trade deals.

Photo by Aquib Akhter

Over 30 crore workers, farmers, and agricultural laborers participated in a nationwide strike protesting the four Labour Codes and free trade agreements (FTAs) being pursued with the U.S., EU, and UK. The strike was called by central trade unions and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), demanding withdrawal of the Draft Seeds Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, SHANTI Act, and other related legislations. Strike actions were reported from over 600 districts.

SKM congratulated participants, emphasizing worker-peasant unity against corporate policies. The SKM's national council will meet on February 24 to discuss further actions. In Kerala, the strike disrupted daily life but remained largely peaceful.

Key Facts

The strike was called by central trade unions and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).

Demands included withdrawal of the Draft Seeds Bill and Electricity (Amendment) Bill.

Strike actions were reported from over 600 districts.

The SKM's national council is set to meet on February 24 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) - Labor laws, trade agreements, social movements

GS Paper 3 (Economy) - Impact of FTAs on Indian economy, labor reforms, industrial relations

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on labor reforms

Visual Insights

Key Numbers from the Nationwide Strike

Highlights the scale of participation in the nationwide strike against the Labour Codes and FTAs.

Workers Participating: 30 Crore
Districts Affected: 600+

More Information

Background

The recent nationwide strike highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding labor laws and trade agreements. Understanding the historical context of labor movements and economic policies is crucial. The evolution of labor laws in India can be traced back to the colonial era, with the enactment of the Factories Act of 1881, aimed at addressing the exploitative conditions in factories. Post-independence, India adopted a mixed economy model, emphasizing both public and private sectors. The initial focus was on social justice and worker welfare, leading to the enactment of various labor laws. However, with economic liberalization in the 1990s, there was a shift towards market-oriented policies, leading to debates about labor reforms and their impact on workers' rights. This shift also brought about discussions on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and their potential effects on domestic industries and employment. The current labor codes are an attempt to consolidate and simplify existing labor laws. These codes cover areas such as wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety. However, they have faced criticism from trade unions and labor organizations, who argue that they dilute worker protections and favor employers. The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights, including the right to form associations and the right to equality, which are often invoked in debates surrounding labor laws.

Latest Developments

The government has been actively pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries and regions, including the U.S., EU, and UK. These agreements aim to boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these FTAs on domestic industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which played a key role in the farmers' protests, is also involved in opposing these FTAs. The four Labour Codes, namely the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, have been passed by the Parliament but are yet to be fully implemented. The government has stated that these codes will promote ease of doing business and create more employment opportunities. However, trade unions argue that they will weaken worker protections and make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers. The implementation of these codes is likely to be a major focus of labor policy in the coming years. The ongoing debates about labor laws and trade agreements reflect a broader tension between economic growth and social justice. Finding a balance between these two objectives is a key challenge for policymakers. The role of institutions like NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Labour and Employment will be crucial in shaping the future of labor policy in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key demands of the nationwide strike involving 30 crore participants?

The key demands included the withdrawal of the four Labour Codes, the Draft Seeds Bill, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, and the SHANTI Act. Protesters also opposed free trade agreements (FTAs) being pursued with the U.S., EU, and UK.

2. Who called for the nationwide strike, and what is their significance?

The strike was called by central trade unions and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). These organizations represent a large segment of workers, farmers, and agricultural laborers, making their call for action significant in terms of potential impact and reach.

3. What are the Labour Codes that are being protested against?

The topic mentions protests against the four Labour Codes, but does not specify what they are. It is important to research the specific provisions of these codes to understand the concerns of the protesting workers.

4. How might the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the U.S., EU, and UK impact Indian workers and farmers?

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these FTAs on domestic industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. The FTAs aim to boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. However, this could lead to increased competition for Indian industries, potentially affecting jobs and livelihoods.

5. What is the significance of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) meeting on February 24?

The SKM's national council meeting on February 24 is significant as it will be used to discuss further actions related to their demands. This meeting will likely determine the future course of action for the farmer's movement and its collaboration with trade unions.

6. What is the historical context of labor laws in India?

The evolution of labor laws in India can be traced back to the colonial era, with the enactment of the Factories Act of 1881, aimed at addressing the exploitative conditions in factories. Post-independence, various laws were enacted to protect workers' rights and regulate working conditions.

7. How does this nationwide strike reflect worker-peasant unity?

The participation of both central trade unions and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) highlights worker-peasant unity. It indicates a convergence of interests and a collaborative effort to address shared concerns regarding labor policies, agricultural policies, and economic reforms.

8. For UPSC Prelims, what key numbers should I remember from this event?

Remember the approximate number of participants: 30 crore, and the number of districts where strike actions were reported: 600.

9. What are the recent developments related to the Draft Seeds Bill and Electricity (Amendment) Bill?

The topic mentions demands for the withdrawal of these bills, but does not provide details on recent developments. Further research is needed to understand the specific concerns and the current status of these legislative initiatives.

10. What is the significance of the Factories Act of 1881?

The Factories Act of 1881 is significant as it represents an early attempt to address exploitative conditions in factories during the colonial era. It laid the foundation for subsequent labor legislation aimed at protecting workers' rights and regulating working conditions.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent nationwide strike mentioned in the news: 1. The strike was primarily against the four Labour Codes and free trade agreements (FTAs). 2. The strike witnessed participation exclusively from workers in the organized sector. 3. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) was one of the organizations that called for the strike. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The strike was indeed against the four Labour Codes and free trade agreements (FTAs) being pursued with the U.S., EU, and UK. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The strike witnessed participation from workers, farmers, and agricultural laborers, indicating participation from both organized and unorganized sectors. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) was one of the organizations that called for the strike, along with central trade unions.

2. Which of the following is NOT a stated demand of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) as mentioned in the news regarding the nationwide strike?

A.Withdrawal of the Draft Seeds Bill
B.Withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill
C.Implementation of a universal basic income scheme for farmers
D.Withdrawal of the SHANTI Act

Show Answer

Answer: C

The news mentions that the strike was called demanding withdrawal of the Draft Seeds Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, and SHANTI Act. There is no mention of a demand for the implementation of a universal basic income scheme for farmers.

3. The Factories Act of 1881, a landmark legislation in the history of labor laws in India, primarily aimed at:

A.Regulating working hours for women in factories
B.Addressing exploitative conditions in factories
C.Establishing trade unions for workers
D.Providing social security benefits to factory workers

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Factories Act of 1881 was enacted to address the exploitative conditions in factories, marking an early attempt to regulate labor conditions in India.