Workers & Farmers Unite: Himachal Stands Strong in Nationwide Strike Against Anti-Labour Policies

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – Thousands of workers and farmers across Himachal Pradesh brought the state to a standstill as they joined a massive nationwide strike . From Anganwadi helpers and midday meal cooks to construction workers and hospital staff, voices rose in unison against what they call the Modi government’s “attack on their rights and livelihoods.”

A Strike That Shook the State

Under the joint call of central trade unions and farmers’ groups, protests erupted in every corner of Himachal. In Shimla, the streets echoed with slogans as hundreds marched under the banner of CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), demanding fair wages, job security, and an end to policies they say will push workers into “modern-day slavery.”

• Healthcare & Sanitation Workers – Employees from IGMC, KNH, and sewage treatment plants walked off the job, demanding permanent status and better pay.
• Anganwadi & ASHA Workers – Often called the backbone of rural health, these women protested for recognition as government employees and pensions.
• Farmers & MGNREGA Labourers – Joined by the Himachal Kisan Sabha, they called for debt relief, higher MSP, and 200 days of work at ₹600/day under MGNREGA.
• Bank & Insurance Employees – Unions under the Bank Confederation rallied against privatization and job cuts.

“We Won’t Be Silenced”

Vijendra Mehra, CITU state president, called the strike a historic success. “The government wants to crush us with 12-hour workdays, contract jobs, and laws that punish us for protesting. But today, Himachal has shown we won’t back down,” he declared.

Farmers’ leader Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar warned, “If MSP isn’t guaranteed and debt relief isn’t given, more villages will join this fight.”

What’s at Stake?

Workers fear the new Labour Codes will:
✔ End 8-hour workdays, forcing 12-hour shifts.
✔ Replace permanent jobs with contract work.
✔ Impose heavy fines for going on strike.
✔ Exclude 74% of workers from legal protections.

Meanwhile, farmers demand the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations be implemented to ensure fair crop prices.

With protests set to intensify, the message is clear: Himachal’s workers and farmers are ready for a long battle. As one elderly Safai Karamchari put it, “We keep this city clean—now we’re fighting to clean up these unjust laws.”