Bharat Band 2025: Labour Strike Disrupts Karnataka, Mangaluru Old Port Workers Join Protest

Bengaluru, July 9, 2025: Karnataka’s labour unions just jumped headfirst into the nationwide strike happening on Today July 9, 2025. They are not satisfied with the central and state governments’ labour policies—calling them straight-up anti-worker and way too cozy with big corporations. The unions are basically saying, “Enough is enough,” and demanding that the four new labour codes get scrapped. They have also handed Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya a fat 17-point list of demands.

So, what does this mean for your regular Tuesday? Well, if you’re banking, dealing with insurance, waiting on your mail, or planning to take public transport—brace yourself. Expect some level of chaos. Not every union’s on board, though. Some are riding the Bharat Bandh train; others are just…quiet. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Schools and colleges could shut their gates, but nobody’s made it official yet, so students everywhere are probably crossing their fingers. Schools and colleges may face closures, though no official announcement has been made. Essential services like railways and healthcare will remain operational.

Mangaluru’s Old Port Market Shuts Down

In Mangaluru, workers at the Old Port wholesale market, led by the Port Workers’ Union, have pledged support for the nationwide strike. On July 9, they will suspend all operations to protest the central government’s labour codes. A meeting was held at the workers’ platform, chaired by Port Workers’ Union president B.K. Immiyaz. CITU district general secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal addressed the gathering. Key attendees included Shivananda Perumal, Siddik Bengare, Madhava Kavooru, Hamza, and Lokesh Shetty, reinforcing the workers’ resolve to demand better rights and oppose privatization.

Also Read | Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025: Over 25 Crore Workers to Strike Nationwide – Key Details

Which Services Face Disruptions?

The strike is likely to halt banking operations, with branch closures, delayed cheque clearances, and impacted customer services. Indian Postal services and some educational institutions, including schools and colleges, may shut down.  Public transport, particularly state-run buses, could face significant disruptions due to protest marches and road blockades. Digital banking services like net banking and UPI are expected to function.

What Are the Key Demands?

Unions are protesting the four labour codes, alleging they weaken collective bargaining and workers’ rights. They demand a minimum wage of ₹26,000 nationwide, ₹36,000 in Karnataka’s unorganised sector, and a ₹9,000 monthly pension for agricultural workers. The strike also opposes privatization and calls for reinstating the Old Pension Scheme. The government’s failure to hold the annual labour conference for over a decade has further fueled discontent.
Keywords: Bharat Band 2025, Bharat Bandh 2025, Karnataka, labour unions, nationwide strike, July 9 2025, Mangaluru Old Port, labour policies, four labour codes, worker rights, Bharat Bandh, banking disruptions, port workers,