Assam Transport Workers to Join Nationwide Strike on July 9
Guwahati Transport Workers Announce Strike
Guwahati, July 7: In response to a nationwide call for an All India General Strike scheduled for July 9, transport worker unions in Assam have declared a complete transport strike lasting 24 hours, commencing at 5 am on Wednesday. This action is a protest against what they describe as the Centre’s “anti-people” and “anti-worker” policies.
The strike, organized by Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and National Federations across India, has garnered support from workers in various sectors within Assam. Mobilization efforts and public meetings are being conducted statewide to ensure the strike's success.
According to a joint statement from the transport workers' unions, “The demands raised in the strike reflect the pressing issues faced by every segment of our population.”
This 24-hour strike is expected to disrupt all types of motor transport services throughout the state, with normal operations anticipated to resume at 5 am on July 10.
The unions have pointed to several legislative measures and policies enacted by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which they argue have threatened the livelihoods of workers, particularly in the transport sector.
They recalled previous protests, noting that shortly after the Modi government took office, it introduced the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014, which was ultimately withdrawn due to widespread opposition from transport unions across the country.
However, they assert that the fundamental issues persist, particularly following the enactment of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which imposed severe fines and punitive measures on drivers for traffic violations.
The unions contend that these fines were applied indiscriminately, further exacerbating the challenges faced by workers already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Excessive fines and harassment have driven many drivers out of the profession. The aim appears to be the dismantling of the public transport sector in favor of corporate interests,” the unions claimed.
Additionally, the transport workers have expressed their opposition to Clause 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which they refer to as the “Hit and Run Act,” arguing that it imposes unjust criminal liability on drivers.
Despite previous government assurances to withdraw this clause following mass protests, the unions assert that it remains in effect.
Further fueling their discontent is the failure to implement a long-promised social security program that would provide pensions, medical care, and educational benefits for transport workers. The unions claim that despite decades of advocacy and clear commitments, no substantial progress has been made.
In light of these ongoing issues, the united forum has urged all residents of Assam to provide “cordial and all-out support” for the strike on July 9, emphasizing that this action serves the interests of not only transport workers but all working-class individuals.
“This is not merely a strike—it represents a struggle for dignity, livelihood, and justice,” the forum stated.