NEW DELHI — In a significant show of solidarity between labour unions and farmers’ organisations, the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced a National Convention of Workers and Farmers on July 29, 2026, at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi.
The convention is expected to draw thousands of representatives from across the country and is being projected as a major step toward building a coordinated nationwide movement against what the organisations describe as the Centre’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-people” policies.
The announcement came through a joint statement issued by the Platform of Central Trade Unions, Independent Sectoral Federations and Associations, and the SKM.
According to the statement, the decision was taken during a meeting of the Joint Platform of CTUs and SKM held in New Delhi on May 13. The gathering will bring together workers, farmers and agricultural labourers from different states and districts to discuss common concerns and map out a joint programme of action.
The proposed convention builds on the momentum generated by the All-India General Strike held on February 12, 2026. Organisers say the July meeting is likely to unveil a broad plan of united and independent struggles around issues affecting both the working class and the farming community.
Among the key demands expected to feature prominently are a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) at C2+50 per cent with assured procurement, a statutory minimum wage, the right to employment, a comprehensive farm loan waiver, withdrawal of the four labour codes, opposition to electricity sector privatisation, rejection of the proposed Seed Bill, implementation of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013, and resistance to free trade agreements that the organisations believe could harm domestic agriculture and industry.
The groups also said they plan to deepen coordination with agricultural workers’ unions in an effort to broaden participation in future joint campaigns.
Strong Criticism of Government Policies
In their statement, the organisations accused the NDA government of pursuing policies that favour large corporate interests at the expense of workers, farmers and ordinary citizens. They alleged that the Centre’s economic approach has weakened federalism, democratic institutions, secular values and the country’s economic sovereignty.
The Joint Platform claimed that the government has failed to respond to the concerns raised during the February general strike and remains indifferent to the growing economic hardships faced by large sections of the population.
The organisations also criticised the government’s handling of the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict involving Iran. They argued that rising fuel prices, shortages of cooking gas and concerns over fertiliser availability are placing additional pressure on both workers and farmers.
According to the statement, fertiliser shortages could affect agricultural output and food security, while higher fuel prices are adding to inflation and increasing household expenses.
The groups further accused the government of imposing austerity measures rather than increasing taxation on the wealthiest sections of society.
Opposition to Labour Codes and Trade Agreements
The Joint Platform reiterated its opposition to the implementation of the four labour codes and the recently notified VB Gram G Act, 2025. It alleged that the new legislation could dilute the framework established under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
The organisations also expressed concern over the recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. According to them, the agreement could adversely affect apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while also impacting the fruit, meat and MSME sectors.
They argued that such trade agreements risk making Indian agriculture and industry increasingly dependent on global market forces.
Support for Workers’ Mobilisation
The unions and farmers’ groups welcomed what they described as a growing wave of worker mobilisation in the National Capital Region and other parts of the country. They claimed that recent protests involving tens of thousands of workers had pushed several state governments to revise minimum wages that had remained unchanged for years.
The July convention is also expected to discuss concerns over restrictions on the right to protest and what the organisations describe as increasing police action against workers, trade union leaders and activists.
The Joint Platform called for the withdrawal of what it termed “false cases” filed against labour leaders and social activists, arguing that democratic dissent is increasingly being criminalised.
With preparations for the convention now underway, labour unions and farmers’ organisations say the July 29 gathering could mark an important step toward building a broader alliance of workers, peasants and agricultural labourers to press for policy changes and strengthen collective resistance to the Centre’s economic agenda in the months ahead.
