Trade Unions' Strike: Puducherry Grinds to Halt as Trade Unions Strike

A nationwide strike by 10 central trade unions brought Puducherry to a standstill on Wednesday, with private buses, autos, and tempos off the roads in protest against the central government’s policies, particularly the four new labour codes. Shops, vegetable, and fish markets remained shuttered, while private schools declared a holiday as a precaution.

The unions, including AITUC and CITU, demanded the repeal of the labour codes, an end to PSU privatization, a minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month, and farmer support measures like MSP based on the Swaminathan Commission’s C2+50% formula and loan waivers. Protesters staged road blockades across the city, with many leaders courting arrest. Social media posts on X reported a “complete shutdown,” with visuals of empty streets and closed shops.

Government buses operated in limited batches, and essential services like power and water supply remained unaffected. However, hospital patient turnout dropped due to the transport halt, though sanitary workers under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan continued their duties. The territorial administration warned government employees of strict action for unauthorized absences, with department heads monitoring attendance closely.

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Police were deployed at key locations to maintain order as major shopping hubs wore a deserted look. The strike, part of a broader Bharat Bandh, reflects growing unrest over policies unions call “anti-worker and pro-corporate,” with similar disruptions reported in Kerala, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.

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