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NFITU Skips National Strike, Calls Labour Protest "Politically Motivated"

The National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) has declined to join a nationwide strike against new labour codes, labeling the action politically motivated. Union leaders from multiple states praised the central government's reforms, citing provisions for equal pay and mandatory appointment letters. In contrast, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and various farmers' groups are supporting the strike, protesting issues like privatisation and changes to MGNREGA. Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are also joining the agitation, expressing fears over recent import duty reductions.

Key Points: NFITU Opts Out of Nationwide Strike Over Labour Codes

  • NFITU rejects strike as politically driven
  • Union praises new labour codes as pro-worker
  • SKM and farmers' groups join nationwide protest
  • Apple farmers warn of economic devastation from trade deals
3 min read

NFITU opts out of nationwide strike, calls it "politically motivated"

NFITU calls Feb 12 nationwide strike politically motivated, praises new labour laws. SKM and farmers' groups join the protest.

"We at NFITU will not participate because we believe it is politically motivated. - Nilam Hazarika"

New Delhi, February 12

The National Front of Indian Trade Unions on Wednesday announced that it will not participate in the nationwide strike called for February 12 by ten central trade unions against the four labour codes and the VB GRAM G Act, terming the proposed protest "politically motivated."

Speaking to ANI in Guwahati, NFITU General Secretary Nilam Hazarika said, "A strike is proposed across the country against the new labour law tomorrow. We at NFITU will not participate because we believe it is politically motivated. The facilities not covered by this law are now available. This is a successful effort by PM Modi."

Echoing similar views from Karnataka, NFITU state president Venkatesh told ANI in Bengaluru, "I welcome the new labour codes by the central government. They favour the workers. In the code introduced now, it says equal work and equal payment. It is now mandatory to issue an appointment letter. We will not join the strike tomorrow. The working class will not go on strike."

In Bhubaneswar, NFITU Odisha president Prasanta Padhi told ANI, "A nationwide strike is going to be held on 12 th February, 2026 by various trade unions. The NFITU does not support it. There is a way to make your demands heard. This strike might benefit or harm the workers. NFITU has welcomed these new labour laws nationwide. We have given a few suggestions to the government."

He said NFITU and 14 affiliated federations have already submitted suggestions to the Centre regarding labour reforms and met the Union Labour Minister in Odisha and Delhi. "The Labour Minister has assured us that it will definitely happen," he said.

Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) showed support for the nationwide general strike called by Central Trade Unions (CTUs) on February 12. The joint action aims to protest the privatisation, contractualisation, four labour codes, the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the proposed Seed Bill. Large-scale participation from farmers, agricultural workers, and industrial unions nationwide is expected at protest sites across the country, including PRTC, power employees, and other worker organisations.

Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have also intensified preparations to join the nationwide farmers' strike and announced a Delhi march, warning that recent import duty reductions under India-US and other free trade agreements could devastate the hill state's apple-based economy, despite repeated assurances by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal that Indian apple growers' interests will be protected.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. It shows there isn't a unified front against the labour codes. If NFITU has engaged with the minister and submitted suggestions, that seems more constructive than a strike. Dialogue over disruption.
A
Anjali F
I have mixed feelings. While NFITU's point about engagement is valid, the concerns of the other unions and farmers about privatization and MGNREGA changes are very real. The apple farmers in Himachal are right to be worried. 🍎
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, calling the strike "politically motivated" is an easy dismissal. Workers and farmers across the country don't strike for fun. They strike when they feel unheard. NFITU opting out weakens the collective bargaining power. Hope their faith in dialogue is rewarded.
K
Karthik V
The proof will be in the implementation. Laws on paper are one thing, ensuring companies actually follow "equal pay for equal work" is another. Strikes create pressure for proper enforcement. Let's see if NFITU's approach works on the ground.
P
Prasanta Padhi
As mentioned in the article, we have submitted our suggestions directly. There is a formal channel for redressal. A nationwide strike can harm daily wage workers the most. We believe in working with the system to improve it.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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