Ten central union organizations have called for a general strike on September 02 to protest against current and future reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The strike action has been called despite the Prime Minister’s change in tone and commitment to only proceed with consensus based social reforms agreed and last minute meetings with government members. Unions have nonetheless decided to pursue their long held demands that they claim are not being addressed by the government guarantees. On the other hand however the government is also facing criticism for delaying reforms that would make the country more attractive for international investors.
Three general strikes since 2010. The last general strike dates back to February 2013 and was held for the same reason as tomorrow’s movement: to carry forward joint union demands formulated in 2009 that have been put to successive governments since that time. From amongst unions’ demands features a single minimum wage of at least 15,000 rupees (approximately 200 euros or 226 US dollars), equal treatment for permanent and temporary staff, and the withdrawal of excessive “pro-employer” reforms that were voted for two States: Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
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