Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has initiated a call for demonstrations, rallies, and dharnas in all its units across the country on August 17.
The reason for this call is a number of unresolved issues concerning labor relations. These issues include increasing the minimum pension, reviewing the wage limits for EPF and ESI, restoring the Old Pension Scheme, and making amendments to the provisions of the new labor codes.
The Jharkhand government announced on Friday its readiness to consider the demands of the protesting students. This statement was made after a delegation of ministers met with representatives of the JPSC/JSSC Reforms Manch organization.
More than sixty community groups and local organizations across South Africa are preparing to hold coordinated nationwide demonstrations on August 8th. These actions aim to address issues of growing economic inequality, housing construction reforms, and xenophobic violence.
The rallies are planned to take place simultaneously in major urban centers, including the Berea Naudé Square in Johannesburg, Hanover Street in Cape Town, and the offices of Mayor Ethekwini in Durban. Additionally, a continental evening vigil is scheduled for 8:00 PM Central African Time.
Organizers have clearly defined the goal of these actions as a protest against systemic marginalization and an assertion of constitutional rights. In a statement released by the organization Operation Ubuntu, it was said: 'This mass action is not only a protest but also a declaration of solidarity and justice.'
A central demand of the coalition is the immediate rejection of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE Amendment Bill). Activists argue that the proposed legislation weakens tenant protection, subjects vulnerable residents of informal settlements to arbitrary mass evictions, and facilitates land acquisition by corporations.
The coalition also demands an immediate end to anti-immigrant violence, the criminalization of poverty, and the uncontrolled extraction of Africa's mineral resources by transnational corporations. Since the demonstrations fall on the eve of Women's Day, they will pay special attention to gender-based violence and the specific safety risks faced by local and migrant women.
Organizers have asked all participants to wear red to symbolize unity and shared sacrifice among different communities. Emphasizing the scale of the collective action, the movement highlighted the need for broad solidarity to achieve sustainable structural changes. Operation Ubuntu confirmed: 'We march for every woman, for every child, for every community, because none of us are free until we are all safe.'
