The Voice of Millions: Why the 9th July 2025 General Strike Was Not a Failure

 

The Voice of Millions:

Why the 9th July 2025 General Strike Was Not a Failure

= Bruhaspati Samal -

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers

Odisha State Coordination Committee

In the aftermath of the 9th July 2025 nationwide general strike called by Central Trade Unions and Independent Federations, a section of non-participants have begun claiming that the strike was a failed exercise with no visible impact on the government. However, this assertion does not withstand scrutiny when examined in light of authentic reports, statistical participation, and sectoral disruptions that reverberated across the nation on that day. The truth is that the strike was a resounding expression of dissent, unified action, and strategic pressure that cannot be dismissed as futile.

According to a comprehensive report published by The Economic Times over 25 crore workers and employees participated in the general strike across various sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, construction, transport, and even parts of the power grid. The call for strike, jointly issued by all major Central Trade Unions—INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, SEWA, LPF, and UTUC etc—received broad-based support from employees’ federations and farmers’ organisations such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. Their demands were far from narrow; they revolved around deep structural issues: controlling skyrocketing prices, halting the aggressive privatization of government undertakings, creating employment by filling up all vacant government posts, withdrawing anti-labour codes, and restoring the Old Pension Scheme for employees.

In Assam, particularly Guwahati, The Times of India reported major shutdowns in the transport sector, closed down private bus services, and full closure of coal mines. Refineries and LPG bottling plants were also forced to suspend work. In various parts of Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, railway tracks were blocked by protesters, seriously affecting train movement. Banking services took a major hit too, with absenteeism recorded at over 30 percent in some areas. Even in states where transport was relatively unaffected, such as West Bengal, banks and central government offices witnessed thin attendance.

These disruptions were not accidental; they were planned, disciplined, and peaceful, aiming to draw attention to legitimate concerns. As per Associated Press coverage (AP News), the protestors voiced anger over rising inequality, unemployment, and the dismantling of labour protections through recent policy changes. The strike echoed the voice of crores who believe that India's policy direction must shift toward inclusivity and employment security rather than wholesale corporate favouritism and asset monetisation.

Despite some isolated claims of minimal impact, The Indian Express clearly stated that the strike brought together one of the largest coordinated resistance movements in recent history, challenging the post-2019 trajectory of governance that is perceived to be neglecting the working class and farmers. Workers from sectors as diverse as telecom, port and dock, oil, and power joined hands with those from the public health and education systems. The World Socialist Web Site also confirmed that tens of millions of workers across India participated in some form, shutting down work and services in industrial belts and cities alike.

To those who call it a failed exercise simply because there was no immediate rollback of policy or televised statement from the government, it must be clarified that the success of a strike lies not only in instantaneous response but in its disruptive potential, unity of purpose, and political pressure. The 9th July action created headlines in national and international media, posed logistical challenges to the administration, and brought the long-ignored demands of the working class into mainstream discourse. It was far from being symbolic or ineffectual. In labour history, no policy has ever changed overnight, but every significant reform has been preceded by persistent struggles like this.

Furthermore, government silence in the immediate aftermath does not equate to indifference. In fact, the scale and seriousness of the disruption have compelled policymakers to take note, even if they have yet to respond publicly. There are already murmurs of upcoming talks and pressure within political circles to address contentious issues like the National Pension Scheme (NPS), the new Labour Codes, and privatization of strategic PSUs.

In conclusion, it is misleading and disrespectful to dismiss the 9th July 2025 general strike as a failure. The mass participation of workers, the disruption across sectors, and the powerful message delivered to the ruling establishment make it a strategically impactful, socially resonant, and politically necessary event. It reaffirmed the will of India’s working population to fight for their rights, livelihoods, and dignity. The moth of cynicism and apathy should be stopped not by argument alone but by reminding people of the sacrifice, unity, and courage it took to bring millions together on one platform for the sake of collective justice. The general strike was not just a day of resistance—it was a landmark in the ongoing battle for an equitable India.

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