Farmers, trade unions announce nationwide strike on February 16
Anshita Mehra
New Delhi, January 17
A joint forum of trade unions and farmers’ organisations has declared a nationwide general strike and rural shutdown on February 16.
Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), accused the givernment of favouring private corporations at the expense of public and farmers’s interests.
The forum has demanded higher minimum support prices for crops, a monthly minimum wage of Rs 26,000 for workers, the repeal of four labour codes, and recognition for guaranteed employment as a fundamental right.
Ashok Singh, senior vice-president of Indian National Trade Union Congress, outlined the forum’s call for the nationwide strike as a protest against the anti-national, anti-worker and anti-farmer policies of the Centre. The forum also endorsed the SKM’s “tractor parade” to be held on January 26.
