PBEF Ludhiana announces its full participation in nationwide general strike by 250 million workers and farmers on Feb 12

Ludhiana, February 9, 2026: The Punjab Bank Employees’ Federation (PBEF), Ludhiana has announced its full participation in the Nationwide General Strike on 12th February, in response to the call given by the Central Trade Unions and Federations against the implementation of the Four Labour Codes, which are widely viewed as anti worker, anti union and detrimental to job security and social justice.
Comrade P. R Mehta, General Secretary Punjab Bank Employees’ Federation (PBEF), stated that the new Labour Codes are a direct attack on the hard-earned rights of the working class. He said that these codes dilute existing labour laws, weaken collective bargaining, restrict the right to strike and make employment more insecure by promoting contractualization and easy hire and fire policies. He further added that bank employees, along with workers from other sectors, will strongly oppose these changes through united and democratic action.
Comrade Naresh Gaur, Secretary PBEF Ludhiana, emphasized that the labour codes are designed to benefit big corporates at the cost of workers’ welfare and social security. He called upon the government to immediately withdraw these codes and engage in meaningful dialogue with the trade unions to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair labour practices.
He informed that extensive preparations have been made in Ludhiana to ensure large scale participation of bank employees in General Strike. He stated that awareness meetings, gate meetings and mobilization programs have been conducted across bank branches to educate employees about the adverse impact of the labour codes.
He appealed to all bank employees to make the strike on 12 February, a complete success and demonstrate solidarity with the working class across the country. The Strike Rally will be held at Bharat Nagar Chowk Ludhiana in front of Canara Bank on 12 February.
He said the Punjab Bank Employees’ Federation Ludhiana stands in complete solidarity with workers from banking, insurance, public sector, private sector and unorganized sectors who are participating in this nationwide struggle to defend labour rights, job security and social protection.
Adding, he said they demand immediate withdrawal of the four Labour Codes, protection of workers’ rights to organize and strike, assurance of job security and social security for all workers and meaningful consultation with trade unions on labour reforms.
He said the PBEF calls upon all bank employees and working people to unite and participate massively in the General Strike on 12th February to safeguard workers’ rights dignity.