Employees hit streets against new labour law:Hold symbolic protests in Bhopal, other cities; demand to repeal labour codes

Central trade unions are observing a nationwide strike today in protest against the new labour laws and several other issues. The impact in Madhya Pradesh is mixed. Employees staged demonstrations outside defence factories in Jabalpur and Itarsi. In Itarsi, workers returned to duty after protesting for an hour. However, schools, colleges, and markets remain open in these areas. The strike has been called by a joint front of trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, SEWA, and unions representing bank, insurance, central government employees, and BSNL staff. VK Sharma, Coordinator of the Madhya Pradesh Bank Employees Association, said that both government and private banks are participating in the strike. The State Bank of India Union has extended support but is not directly taking part. The strike is also expected to impact the insurance sector, with LIC employees joining the protest. BSNL and the postal department are also likely to see disruptions. Key demands of the unions: