Trade Unions Set Feb 12 Deadline for Labour Code Repeal

A coalition of ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and several independent sectoral federations have issued a final ultimatum to the Union Government, demanding the immediate repeal of the four controversial Labour Codes.

The unions have warned that if their demands are not met, they will proceed with a massive nationwide general strike scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Escalation of the Labor Standby

The call for the strike follows a series of regional conventions where labor leaders expressed mounting frustration over the delay in addressing their concerns.

The unions, including AITUC, INTUC, and HMS, argue that the new codes—covering Wages, Social Security, Industrial Relations, and Occupational Safety—consolidate 44 central labor laws in a way that significantly dilutes workers’ rights.

They claim the codes provide employers with excessive flexibility to hire and fire, while making it nearly impossible for workers to form unions or legally strike.

Core Demands and Economic Concerns of Trade Unions

The February 12 strike is not limited to the repeal of the codes.

The joint platform of trade unions has outlined a broader charter of demands, which includes:

• Minimum Wage Guarantee: A demand to hike the national minimum wage to reflect current inflationary pressures.
• Social Security for All: Extending pension and healthcare benefits to the vast informal sector and “gig” workers.
• Halt to Privatization: An immediate end to the monetization and sale of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in strategic sectors like banking, energy, and transport.
• Scrapping the NPS: Reverting to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all government employees.

Anticipated Impact on Essential Services

The “Feb 12” strike threat has caused concern across industrial hubs and the logistics sector.

Union leaders have indicated that the mobilization will involve workers from the coal, steel, port, and transport sectors.

This massive coordination could potentially bring several supply chains to a standstill.

Bank employee unions have also signaled their support, which could disrupt financial services nationwide.

The government maintains that the codes are necessary to simplify compliance and boost the “Ease of Doing Business.”

However, officials have yet to call for a formal round of negotiations to avert the shutdown.

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