Message of Solidarity with the Working Class of India

The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) expresses its solidarity with the working class of India, on the upcoming Nationwide General Strike on 12^th February 2026.

The WFTU notes with pride that ten Central Trade Unions of India have jointly given a call for Nationwide General Strike Action. The issues before the strike include fundamental trade union rights of the Indian working class and the toiling people.

We understand with shock and anguish that the Narendra Modi Government of India has passed and notified Four Labour Codes superseding 29 labour related Acts of Indian Parliament. These Labour Codes are designed to hit hard the Right to Association, Right to Collective Bargaining and Right to Strike. The joint strike action of the Indian trade unions is demanding outright scrapping of these anti-worker Labour Codes along with the 'Shram Shakti Niti, 2025'.

The other important demands include strong opposition to economic onslaughts on the toiling people arising out of imperialist globalization. The joint declaration of the striking trade unions has noted, "The government of the country continues its agenda of privatisation and sale of all strategic Public Sector Undertakings and Public services such as railway, port and docks, coal mines, oil, steel, defence, roadways, airports, banks, insurance, telecom, postal, Atomic energy, electricity generation and supply etc. to the big Corporates of Indian and foreign origin thus endangering indigenous industrial growth and self-reliant economy. The commercialisation of education and health are severe jolt to the people as they cannot afford the unbearable cost. The prices of essential commodities are rising unabated. With inequalities growing, a very large number of people are getting pushed to a life below poverty line." WFTU reiterates its understanding that the deepening of the systemic crisis of capitalism makes the attack against the toiling people all over the world.

Strike actions in India always enjoy special international significance due to inter alia, the vastness of the Indian Working Class. This time the Worker-Peasant-Agricultural Worker unity in India is unique. With the participation of the farmers and agricultural workers in the strike action on 12^th February shall attain unprecedented dimension and shall convey a strong message of class oriented militant action to the working class all the world.

WFTU with its 105 million members spread over 133 countries extends total support to the demand and action of the working class and peasantry of India and conveys best wishes for a grand success of the strike action. WFTU also supports the warning sounded by the trade unions that "12^th February strike has to convey strong message if the Government still pursue the Labour Codes, Central Trade Unions will be compelled to go for further stronger actions.

On behalf of the World Federation of Trade Unions,

Pambis Kyritsis

WFTU General Secretary