Trade unions and pensioners’ associations in Meghalaya on Thursday participated in the nationwide general strike called by central trade unions, staging a demonstration in Shillong against what they described as anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate policies of the Union Government. The protest was organised near the U Kiang Nangbah statue opposite Shillong Civil Hospital, drawing participation from members of various unions in support of the countrywide agitation observed on February 12.
Organisations that took part in the demonstration included the Central Government Pensioners Association of Meghalaya, All India Postal Employees Pensioners Association of Meghalaya, Confederation of Central Government Employees, Federation of Postal Employees and the Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions and Associations (MJCTUA). The strike call was issued by the Joint Platform of Ten Central Trade Unions and independent sectoral federations, and was endorsed by the National Convention of Workers held on January 9.
Farmers’ bodies, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, also extended support. The protesting unions demanded the repeal of the four labour codes and their accompanying rules, alleging that these laws undermine workers’ rights and weaken collective bargaining. They also called for withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the proposed SHANTI Act, which they claim would facilitate private and foreign participation in sensitive sectors such as nuclear energy.