Trade unions urge public to join August 10 'Jail Bharo' protest against Centre's policies
Trade unions on Friday (August 7, 2026) appealed to workers and the general public to participate in the nationwide 'Jail Bharo' protest scheduled for August 10. The protest has been called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and central trade unions against the Union government's policies.
The appeal was made at a press conference held at the CITU office in Jagadamba. CITU district general secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar said that the Centre's labour, agricultural and privatisation policies have adversely affected workers, farmers and agricultural labourers. He criticised the Labour Codes, opposed the proposed privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and sought effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
The unions have demanded a minimum monthly wage of ₹31,000, a comprehensive law for unorganised workers, and an end to the privatisation of public sector services. Mr. Kumar said that the protest rally in Visakhapatnam would begin at Jagadamba Centre at 10 a.m. and proceed to the Collectorate.
The 'Jail Bharo' protest, often used as a civil disobedience tactic, involves demonstrators court arrest to pressurise the government to accept their demands. The August 10 edition is being organised to highlight the adverse impact of recent economic and labour policy changes on working people, according to the union leaders.
Several trade union leaders were present at the press conference, including AITUC district vice-president Padala Govind, CFTUI national president N. Kanaka Rao, IFTU district secretary Lakshmi, APFTU district president Mahitha, and CITU district secretary B. Jagan.
The unions have called upon all sections of society, including workers, farmers, agricultural labourers, and civil society groups, to make the protest a success. They said that the privatisation of public sector enterprises, changes in labour laws, and the lack of social security guarantees have worsened the living conditions of the working class.
The Centre has maintained that the Labour Codes are aimed at enhancing ease of doing business while ensuring worker welfare. However, trade unions argue that the codes dilute existing protections for workers and have called for their withdrawal. The proposed strategic sale of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has also been a contentious issue, with local unions and political parties opposing it on grounds of employment and regional development.
The rally in Visakhapatnam is expected to draw participation from various trade unions, farmer organisations, and student bodies. District authorities have not yet issued any official statement on traffic diversions or restrictions in view of the planned march.
The CITU and other unions have also urged citizens to express solidarity by wearing black bands or displaying banners in support of the protest. They said that the agitation would be peaceful and within the legal framework.
