KANCHIPURAM — As part of a massive nationwide general strike (Bharat Bandh) opposing the Union Government’s labour and agricultural policies, workers and trade unions in Kanchipuram observed a significant shutdown today, February 12, 2026.
The strike, called by a joint platform of ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and supported by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), saw a high degree of participation across the district's industrial hubs. Protesters gathered in key areas of Kanchipuram to voice their opposition to the implementation of the four new Labour Codes, which they claim dismantle hard-won worker protections in favor of corporate interests.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The Kanchipuram demonstrations echoed the national charter of demands, focusing on several critical legislative and economic issues:
Repeal of Labour Codes: Unions demand the withdrawal of the four labour codes that replaced 29 existing laws, citing concerns over job security and the "ease of firing" employees.
Protection of Farmers: Protesters expressed solidarity with farmers, demanding the withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill.
Restoration of MGNREGS: A major demand included the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the scrapping of the newly proposed VB-GRAM G Act.
Wages and Social Security: Workers called for a hike in minimum wages and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Opposition to Privatization: The strike targeted the government's push for privatization in sectors like banking, insurance, and electricity.
Impact on the District
The strike resulted in a visible disruption of normal activity:
Industrial Sector: Production in several manufacturing units within the Kanchipuram industrial corridor was significantly hampered as workers stayed away from shifts.
Banking & Services: Public sector banks in the city remained largely closed or operated with minimal staff as bank employee unions joined the agitation.
Transport: Local transport and freight movement saw a dip in frequency, though emergency services remained exempt from the strike.
Digital Mobilization
The movement gained significant traction online, with activists and citizens using hashtags like #12thFebGeneralStrike, #GeneralStrike, and #LabourRights to share live updates from the protest sites. While the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) distanced itself from the strike, the collective strength of the other ten major unions ensured a widespread impact across the state of Tamil Nadu.
Local leaders stated that today's action is just the "opening phase" of a larger struggle if the government does not address their grievances.
