India’s ten largest central trade unions have jointly called a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, forecasting participation by more than 250 million workers from both the formal and informal sectors. The action, billed as a Bharat Bandh, is expected to be one of the country’s biggest labour stoppages in recent years. The unions say the walkout is aimed at overturning what they describe as the government’s pro-corporate, anti-worker agenda. Their 17-point demand charter seeks withdrawal of four new labour codes that extend working hours and curb collective bargaining, a halt to privatisation of public enterprises, greater job creation in the public sector and regularisation of contract staff. Banking and financial services face some of the most immediate risks. The All India Bank Employees Association, the All India Bank Officers Association and the Bank Employees Federation of India have issued strike notices for the day, warning of disruptions to cheque clearance and branch operations even though the Reserve Bank of India has not declared a holiday. Postal workers, coal miners, electricity staff and state-run transport operators are also expected to join, while the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange intend to open as scheduled. Schools and colleges have not been ordered shut, but local authorities caution that transport slow-downs and demonstrations could impede attendance. Government departments and other public-sector units are preparing contingency plans, yet union leaders insist services will be affected unless talks on their demands resume.