Over 2 Lakh Defence Civilian Employees Join Nationwide General Strike; Stage One-Hour Work Boycott Across India
Massive demonstrations held at defence establishments against four Labour Codes and other key demands
In support of the nationwide General Strike observed on February 12, 2026, more than two lakh Defence Civilian Employees across the country boycotted work for one hour and staged massive demonstrations in front of Defence establishments.
The protest was organized in response to the Government’s notification for the implementation of the four Labour Codes, which trade unions have termed as “anti-worker” and enacted despite widespread objections and opposition. Central Trade Unions and Independent Federations called for a one-day nationwide strike demanding withdrawal of the four Labour Codes and restoration of the 29 Labour Acts that were subsumed under them.
Supporting the nationwide strike call, the All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF), representing over three lakh Defence Civilian Employees, urged its members to participate in a one-hour work boycott and hold demonstrations. According to AIDEF, Defence Civilian Employees are equally impacted by the implementation of the new Labour Codes.
On February 12, employees across Defence establishments reportedly attended duty one hour late and participated in coordinated demonstrations. The Federation described the response as “massive and successful,” stating that over two lakh employees took part in the protest across India.
AIDEF congratulated Indian workers and trade unions for organizing the nationwide strike in a “grand manner.” The Federation also appreciated Defence Civilian Employees and affiliated unions for their active participation in the one-hour boycott programme.
Key Demands Raised by the Federation:
- Withdrawal of the four Labour Codes described as anti-worker.
- Restoration of the 29 abolished Labour Acts.
- Scrapping of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS); restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
- Filling up of all vacant posts.
- Stopping outsourcing, contract, and fixed-term employment.
- Halting corporatization and privatization of the Defence industry.
- Lifting the alleged illegal and artificial ban on compassionate appointments.
The statement was issued by S.N. Pathak, President, and C. Srikumar, General Secretary of AIDEF.
