Leaders of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the Agricultural Labour Union and the Rythu Sangham have called for a nationwide strike on February 12 against what they described as the Modi government’s anti-worker and anti-farmer policies.

A round-table meeting of CITU, farmers and agricultural labour organisations was held on Wednesday (February 4) at CITU district office in Eluru under the chairmanship of district president R. Lingaraju. Posters of the strike were formally released after the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, A.P. Agricultural Labour Union state vice-president A. Ravi, CITU district general secretary D.N.V.D. Prasad and A.P. Rythu Sangham district secretary K. Srinivas criticised the Centre for weakening labour laws by introducing the four new labour codes favouring corporate interests.

They demanded withdrawal of the new codes and continuation of existing laws. Concerns were also raised over changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, introduction of the VB G Ram G scheme and the increase of states’ financial contribution from 10% to 40%, which could deny agricultural labourers guaranteed employment.

They opposed the Central Seed Act, the Electricity Amendment Bill, free trade agreements with the U.S. and the E.U. and privatisation of public sector undertakings, including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

The meeting resolved to hold rallies, public meetings and campaign programmes across all mandals, urging workers, farmers, women and employees to participate. Representatives from RTC, municipal workers, transport unions and medical unions also attended.