27 Lakh Electricity Workers To Join Nationwide Strike On July 9 Against Power Sector Privatisation

A nationwide symbolic strike by electricity employees is planned for July 9, as opposition to power sector privatization intensifies. This strike, called by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers, will see approximately 27 lakh electricity workers across India participate.

In Uttar Pradesh alone, over 100,000 employees, contract workers, junior engineers, and engineers will stage strong protests outside their workplaces and offices throughout the day. This coordinated action aims to voice a united opposition against the privatization of public sectors.

Officials from the Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, Uttar Pradesh, stated that the strike is not limited to the power sector but targets privatization across various fields nationwide.

Employees allege that governments are gradually transferring public assets to private hands, jeopardizing their future.

The July 9 strike is anticipated to be significant, with participation from workers in railways, banking, insurance, BSNL, postal services, central and state government departments, and private industries. An estimated  25 crore citizens nationwide are expected to join the protest.

A key demand from the Sangharsh Samiti is for the Uttar Pradesh government to immediately withdraw its decision to privatize Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam. This issue has also been prominently featured in the demands of 10 major trade unions across the country. Organizers emphasize that this strike represents the collective voice of all employees and laborers fighting to protect their rights.