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2016 Indian general strike

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On 2 September 2016, an estimated 150 million[2] to 180 million[3] Indian public sector workers went on a 24-hour nationwide general strike against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans for increasing privatization and other economic policies.[4] A total of ten trade unions participated.[5][6] Many government-run locations and transportation services were closed. The strikers also protested in favour of social security, universal healthcare, and an increased minimum wage. The strike mainly took place in states where opposition parties were the most influential, such as Karnataka and Kerala. It was called the largest strike in human history.[7][8]

Less than 4% of workers in India come under labour protection, and even those protections have become more and more eroded. There’s a general sense that instead of targeting poverty they are targeting the poor, and there has been a real running down of spending on essential public services. Health workers in some states had not been paid in months, food subsidy and distribution schemes were being neglected and “private employers who wish to discourage any kind of unionisation are being actively encouraged by the central government.

See also

References

  1. ^ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/indian-workers-strike-in-fight-for-higher-wages
  2. ^ Banerji, Annie (September 3, 2016). "Tens of millions in India strike for higher wages". The China Post. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  3. ^ "#WorkersStrikeBack: 180 Million Indian Workers Strike for Higher Minimum Wage". sputniknews.com. September 2, 2016. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  4. ^ Madan, Karuna (September 2, 2016). "Strike call evokes mixed response in India". Gulf News India. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  5. ^ "Millions strike in India over reforms". BBC News. September 2, 2016. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  6. ^ Khan, Shehab (September 3, 2016). "Humanity's biggest ever strike is underway". The Independent. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  7. ^ "Millions of Indian workers strike for better wages". Aljazeera. September 3, 2016. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  8. ^ "General strike: trade unions claim success, normal life unaffected". The Hindu. September 3, 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2016-09-04.