All-India strike on September 2 likely to hit essential services

Ten central trade unions have given a one-day nationwide strike call to protest against the government’s ‘indifference’ to their demands for better wages and facilities and the ‘anti-worker’ changes in labour laws. All major unions, excluding RSS-associated BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh), have joined the strike call, terming the government’s assurances to look into their demands and the recent announcements for two-year bonus and hike in minimum wage as ‘completely inadequate.’ On its part, the government asked all ministries to ensure that public utilities and essential services are not affected. Secretaries of all departments have been asked to take effective measures for smooth running of various services coming under their respective ministries across the country.