Nationwide strike against pro-corporate labour codes: workers rally and protest held in Mangaluru

Nationwide strike against pro-corporate labour codes: workers rally and protest held in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 9, 2025: A massive nationwide strike was held in protest against the Centre’s new pro-corporate and anti-worker labour codes, which consolidate 29 existing labour laws into just four codes. The strike was a resounding success in Mangaluru as well, with workers from various sectors and middle-class employees joining forces to voice strong opposition to the central government’s labour policies.

Over a thousand workers and employees marched from Ambedkar Circle in the city, raising slogans against the Centre’s aggressive and exploitative policies. A protest meeting was later held near the Clock Tower.

 

 

 

 

 

Inaugurating the protest, Sunil Kumar Bajal, District General Secretary of CITU, said that in the past 11 years, the Narendra Modi-led central government has relentlessly worked to protect corporate interests while ignoring the rights and needs of workers, farmers, and the common people. "The government is rendering labour laws ineffective and pushing the entire working class back into bonded labour. By increasing working hours, they aim to boost corporate profits," he said. He emphasized that over 250 million workers participated in this historic strike across the country — a significant milestone in India’s labour movement.

Sitaram Beringer, District General Secretary of AITUC, stated that no society can progress if it continues to devalue the very workers who build the nation’s wealth. He called on the government to ensure fair wages, social security, and proper pension schemes for all workers.

Phanindra K, National General Secretary of the Bank Employees’ Union, condemned the Centre’s push to privatize and merge key financial sectors, including banks and insurance, stating that such actions would destroy the country’s economy. “How can a nation develop if it dismantles its own financial foundations?” he asked.

Other speakers included CITU district leaders Vasanth Achari, J Balakrishna Shetty, farmer leaders K Yadav Shetty, Sunny D’Souza, Vincent D’Souza from the Bank Officers’ Union, Sunil Padakannaya from the Bank Employees’ Union, and Lokesh Shetty from the Insurance Representatives’ Union.

Youth leaders such as BK Imtiyaz, Santosh Bajal, Nitin Kuthar, Rizwan Harekal, Naveen Konchadi, Tayyub Bengre, and Razak Mudipu, along with women leaders Jayanti Shetty, Bharathi Bolar, Asunta D’Souza, Pramila Shaktinagar, Samitha Bisiroad, Mamatha, Kariya K from tribal organizations, Rashmi Vamanjoor, and Tulsi Belmannu also extended their support.

The protest saw wide participation from leaders of various unions and organizations, including Girish, BM Madhav, Purushottama Poojary (Bank Unions), Yogeesh Jappinamogaru, Sukumar Tokkottu, Vasanti Kuppepadavu, Nonayya Gowda, Yashodha Malali, Padmavathi Shetty, Sundar Kumpala, Ravichandra Konchadi, Janardhan Kuthar, Bhavya Muchchuru, Biju Augustine, Vishwanath Bangaradka, Rohidas, Rafiq Harekal (CITU), HV Rao, B Shekar, Suresh Kumar, Karunakar Maripalla, V Kukyan, Praveen Kumar, Jayasimha (AITUC), Krishnappa Salyan, Shekhar Kundar, Sadashivadas (farmers), and other leaders such as Sadananda, Jeevan Lobo, MS Bhat, Janardhan Peraje, Somashekar, Pushparaj Boluru, Jagatpal, Krishnappa, Farooq, Majeed, Muzzaffar Ahmed, Santosh RS, Vinayak Shenoy, Vijay, Kalandar, Ahmed Bhav, and Ansar from Faisalnagar.

The event was compered by Yogeesh Jappinamogaru of CITU, while Karunakar Maripalla of AITUC delivered the vote of thanks.