Assam: Refineries and transport stalled due to nationwide strike over labor code

Guwahati: Parts of Assam experienced major disruption on Thursday as the nationwide “Bharat Bandh” called by 10 central trade unions took effect. Refineries, transport hubs, and city streets were among the worst affected, with organisers claiming participation from nearly 30 crore workers across the country.

In Guwahati, the entrance to the Guwahati Refinery in Noonmati turned into a protest site as members of the United Workmen Union and Thikadari Shramik Union gathered to demand that the Central government roll back the labour codes. Protesters said the new laws threaten job security and could deprive workers of long-standing rights.

The strike also affected public transport, with only a handful of buses operating, leaving commuters stranded across the city. Many parents and workers expressed frustration at the disruption, saying that school and work commutes were severely impacted.

A similar scene unfolded in Upper Assam’s Digboi, where hundreds of refinery workers staged demonstrations outside the plant. Union representatives warned that the agitation could escalate if the government fails to reconsider the labour reforms, and accused the state government of policies that could privatise public industries.

The bandh is supported by major trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC, with solidarity from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and several farmer organisations.

The nationwide strike protests the four labour codes enacted by the Centre in 2020, which consolidated 29 central labour laws into a single framework. Trade unions argue that the new codes weaken protections for job security, social welfare, and collective bargaining. Their key demands include the withdrawal of the four labour codes, restoration of MGNREGA, and a rollback of policies perceived to undermine civil services.