21 Major General Strikes in India Since 1991: Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions’ Protests
Since India’s economic liberalization in 1991, the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs)—comprising 10 major unions like Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) — has organized 21 nationwide strikes against government policies on labor, privatization, and workers’ rights.
These strikes, along with marches to Parliament, dharnas, and sectoral protests (banking, insurance, etc.), represent one of the largest labor movements in the world.
List of All India General Strikes (1991–2022)
| S.No | Strike Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | 29th November 1991 |
| 2 | 16th June 1992 |
| 3 | 9th September 1993 |
| 4 | 29th September 1994 |
| 5 | 11th December 1998 |
| 6 | 11th May 2000 |
| 7 | 12th March 2001 |
| 8 | 16th April 2002 |
| 9 | 24th February 2001 |
| 10 | 29th September 2005 |
| 11 | 14th December 2006 |
| 12 | 20th August 2008 |
| 13 | 7th September 2010 |
| 14 | 28th February 2012 |
| 15 | 20-21 February 2013 |
| 16 | 2nd September 2015 |
| 17 | 2nd September 2016 |
| 18 | 8-9 January 2019 |
| 19 | 8th January 2020 |
| 20 | 26th November 2020 |
| 21 | 28th-29th March 2022 |
Key Reasons Behind the Strikes
- Opposition to privatization & FDI in key sectors.
- Demand for higher wages & social security for workers.
- Protests against labor law reforms (e.g., Labour Codes 2020).
- Fight for job security & pension rights.
Impact of the Strikes
- The 2020 strike saw 250+ million workers participating—one of the biggest global strikes.
- The 2019 & 2022 strikes disrupted banking, transport, and PSUs.
The Joint Platform of CTUs remains a powerful force advocating for workers’ rights in India.
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