CITU backs February 12 nationwide strike against Labour Codes

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions has extended full support to a nationwide general strike called by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and All India Sectoral Federations, demanding the repeal of the Labour Codes. The decision was formalised through a resolution adopted at the CITU’s 18th All India Conference held in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

During the conference, the CITU flag was hoisted by president K. Hemalata, followed by a floral tribute at the martyrs’ column by Ms. Hemalata, general secretary Tapan Sen, other national office-bearers and leaders of fraternal organisations.

Welcoming the delegates, reception committee chairman Ch. Narasinga Rao said Visakhapatnam, a major public sector hub housing the Steel Plant, Port, NTPC and HPCL, continues to be a frontline of the working-class movement.

Mr. Tapan Sen opened the proceedings by welcoming the leadership of all Central Trade Unions and the general secretary of the World Federation of Trade Unions, Pambis Kyritsis.

Addressing the conference, Mr. Kyritsis strongly endorsed the struggles of the Indian working class and the united kisan movements, and expressed solidarity with the February 12, 2026 general strike against what he described as anti-worker labour codes. He said the CITU would never be alone in its struggle and could count on the active support of the class-oriented international trade union movement.

Ms. Hemalata moved the resolution seeking repeal of the four labour codes and calling for the successful conduct of the general strike on February 12, 2026. It was adopted amid loud applause.

Another resolution, moved by Mr. Tapan Sen, opposed the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and called for protecting workers’ public sector undertakings.

The conference also saw the participation of leaders from other major trade unions, including Mantri Rajashekhar of Indian National Trade Union Congress, Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress, and Sudarshan Rao of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, reflecting broad-based unity against the Labour Codes.