Hundreds of workers linked to the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) and other trade groups protested in Maharashtra on February 12, 2026. They oppose the new four labour codes introduced by the Central government. Protesters say these codes lack clear benefits for unorganised and gig workers and ease safety rules. The unions say, “The 29 existing labour laws reduce the protections hard-won over decades.” Shailendra Chauhan, General Secretary of Mumbai CITU, said, “Four labour codes are designed to weaken and destroy the trade unions. Cancellation of TU registration is made easy. Permanent employment will be replaced by fixed-term employment with hire and fire. Closures of factories are made easy. Organising a legal strike is made difficult, and the government will put you in jail for an illegal strike. Provident Fund contribution is reduced, and working hours can be increased to 12 hours per day.” About 22 workers’ groups including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, and the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union joined the strike under the Joint Action Committee’s leadership. CITU, AITUC, and RWPI protested near the Maharashtra Construction Workers Welfare Board in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex. RWPI activist Baban Thoke said, “One of the four labour codes, Industrial Relations Code, makes it easier for companies with up to 300 workers to lay off staff without prior government approval, weakens the right to strike by imposing stricter notice conditions, which I fear will reduce job security and sap the trade unions.” Maharashtra Congress supports the Bharat Bandh. State party president Harshwardhan Sapkal called the policies anti-worker and anti-farmer and asked party members to join the protest. Shiv Sena MLC Sachin Ahir also joined and labeled the codes as “hire and fire policy.” He said the government is forcing these laws on workers and falsely claiming to offer gifts. He added, “The 29 laws were earned after putting sweat and blood into it; now they are trying to shrink it, which is unacceptable.” CITU demanded action to stop exploitation by builders and contractors. They want a committee with police, labour reps, municipal officials, and health checks, pensions for workers above 65, scrapping the mid-day meal scheme, and ₹2000 monthly payments to workers. They also demand work at construction sites under state and central projects.