- By Chetna Shree
- Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bharat Bandh Bank Employee Strike: Essential services across the country are expected to face significant disruptions on February 12, 2026, as 10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs) have called a nationwide general strike to oppose the four new Labour Codes and other issues that they describe as "increasing attacks on the working class."
This nationwide strike has gained significant support from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and major banking federations, including the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI).
Who Has Called The Nationwide Strike?
Central trade unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), and All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), have called a nationwide general strike on February 12, 2026.
This strike has received backing from farmers' organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and major banking federations, such as the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI).
Together, these organisations are planning large-scale protests and chakka jams across several states, News24 reported.
What Are They Demanding?
The nationwide strike on February 12 has been called to oppose the four new Labour Codes: the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. These codes, which were notified in November 2025, seek to replace the existing 29 labour laws, News24 report added.
According to the trade unions, the new labour codes weaken workers’ rights, reduce job security, and make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers. Unions have also called the strike to protest issues related to wages, social security, privatisation, and job protection, which they describe as "increasing attacks on the working class".
Banks Union Demand For Five-Day Work Week
Apart from opposing labour codes, bank employees are intensifying their push for a five-day work week. They argue that while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), LIC, and major stock exchanges already follow a five-day schedule, bank staff are still required to work the first, third, and sometimes fifth Saturdays of every month.
With major central trade unions, farmers' organisations and banking federations gearing up for a nationwide strike on February 12, customers are advised to complete urgent branch-related tasks in advance, as essential services might be disrupted.