Trade unions, farmers to hold rail roko, rasta roko protests on Aug 10 against 'pro-corporate policies'

Central trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday announced a nationwide agitation on August 10 against the Centre's labour, farm and economic policies, while warning of a broader coordinated movement if their demands remain unaddressed.

The decision was taken at the second National Convention of Workers and Farmers, attended by representatives of 10 central trade unions, sectoral federations and SKM constituents, PTI reported.

The convention adopted a joint resolution criticising the Centre's policies as "pro-corporate" and raised a wide range of demands, including the repeal of the four labour codes, a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) at C2+50 per cent, withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, an end to privatisation of public sector enterprises and public services, universal social security for workers, and filling of vacant government posts.


The resolution also opposed India's ongoing trade negotiations with the United States and the European Union, alleging that the proposed agreements would adversely affect agriculture, MSMEs and domestic industry.

The gathering also expressed support for the recent nationwide student protests over examination paper leaks, describing the movement as a reflection of growing concerns over unemployment and the education system.

As per the PTI report, the resolution alleged that repeated paper leaks had forced students and youth into prolonged protests, claimed that demonstrators faced police action, including the use of pellet guns and shock batons, and sought greater accountability in recruitment and entrance examinations, including NEET and the recent CBSE paper leak. It also called for higher public investment in education.

"We hereby resolve to intensify independent and joint struggles against the anti-people, anti-national corporate government through coordinated and united actions and unite all sections of the people in these struggles," the resolution said.

The convention announced nationwide programmes on August 10, coinciding with the anniversary of the Quit India Movement. The protests will include rail roko, rasta roko, workplace demonstrations, human chains and protests at district headquarters and Raj Bhavans.

It also decided to organise joint state-level conventions and prepare for multi-day nationwide direct action programmes if the Centre does not respond to the demands.

Addressing the convention, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait) leader Rakesh Tikait called for greater unity among workers, farmers and other democratic groups.

"We have to intensify the struggle. We have to reduce divisions based on caste, language and region. Only by strengthening united movements can this government be challenged," Tikait said.

AICCTU leader Rajeev Dimri said the recent student protests had demonstrated the power of collective action.

"The historic students' and youth movement forced the resignation of the education minister. We have to further strengthen the struggle to defeat the policies of the Modi government," Dimri said.

The convention was attended by leaders of 10 central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC, along with representatives of several SKM constituent organisations, PTI reported. It was the second joint National Convention of Workers and Farmers after a similar meeting held in August 2023.

(With PTI inputs)