Modi government has a huge labour problem 5 months before elections

• At least 10 trade unions representing over 150 million workers in the informal and formal sectors have gone on a two-day, nation-wide strike
  
• The unions are demanding better labour laws and have opposed government policies governing trade unions and the government’s efforts to privatise state-owned companies
  
• Public transport was reportedly disrupted in South India and clashes broke out in West Bengal.

In a potential embarrassment for the Narendra Modi government, nearly a dozen trade unions representing over 150 million workers in the informal and formal sectors have gone on a two-day, nation-wide strike protesting against Indian government’s ‘anti-worker’ neoliberal policies and calling for stronger labour-friendly reforms.

Making matters worse, according to reports, even a section of the farmers as well as some government employees have joined in outrage against the government.

The strike took an ugly turn in West Bengal where violent clashes have been reported. Several schools and colleges were shut in South India and public transport disrupted.

All national trade unions with the exception of the ones associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an affiliate of the Bharatiya Janata Party, are reportedly joining the strike.

The unions have opposed planned changes to existing Indian laws governing trade unions, calling them "desperate attempts" to make "gross pro-employer changes in labour laws."

The unions are also against the privatisation of state-owned companies. The Indian government has set itself a target to privatise or sell down its stake in several loss-making ‘public-sector units’ with an aim to raise ₹800 billion in proceeds for fiscal 2018-19.

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Monday said the proposed changes in the Trade Union Act, 1926, are “irrational” and “highly discretionary” that undermine the independent functioning of trade unions and the livelihoods of working people.

West Bengal: Clash between TMC and CPM workers in Asansol during 48-hour nationwide strike called by Central Trade Unions demanding minimum wages, social security schemes & against privatisation of public and government sector. pic.twitter.com/5oM6TWxnx7

— ANI (@ANI) 8 January 2019

India has seen a wave of farmer protests and marches in recent months asking for better retail prices for arming produce and loan waivers. An analysis of the latest government estimates show that rise in farm prices in 2018-19 may be the lowest in a decade.

The All India Kisan Sabha, a national farmers’ union, claims the government’s neoliberal policies have put a burden on Indian farmers and unions.

"The peasantry is being dispossessed and forced to sell its labour in the unorganised sector under precarious conditions. This situation calls for greater coordinated actions between the working class and the peasantry," AIKS President Ashok Dhawale reportedly said in a statement.

WIth IANS inputs