Trade Unions Announce Nationwide Strike in February 2026 over Labour Law Concerns
In a declaration that could significantly impact industrial and commercial establishments across the country, several central trade unions have announced a nationwide strike scheduled for February. The collective action is being organized to demand the withdrawal of the recently implemented labour codes, which the unions argue dilute employee welfare provisions and weaken workers’ collective bargaining rights.
The unions contend that the four labour codes—on wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety—have been formulated without adequate consultation with key stakeholders. Their primary contention is that the consolidation of labour laws undermines statutory protections earlier available under separate enactments such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the Factories Act, 1948.
From an industrial relations perspective, this proposed strike warrants careful attention from employers, particularly in sectors with a large organized workforce. Employers are advised to review their contingency plans, communication strategies, and compliance procedures under the Industrial Disputes Act and relevant state laws to ensure operations remain legally compliant during the strike period.
At H L Kumar & Associates, we will continue to monitor developments around this call for a nationwide industrial action and provide timely updates on any new government notifications, judicial interventions, or policy discussions likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
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