Workers across Asia and Australia are staging significant protests and strikes this month over a range of issues, from unpaid wages to job security, as labor disputes escalate in various sectors.
Labor Protests in Asia
In Mumbai, workers from the National Textile Corporation (NTC) have been engaging in an indefinite relay hunger strike since October 6. The workers demand payment of overdue wages and retirement benefits, asserting that thousands have gone unpaid for months. The NTC operates only four of its 15 mills, and the workers, affiliated with the National Mill Mazdoor Union, have been picketing since September 7.
In Rajasthan, sanitation workers in Jaipur’s Kishanpole zone initiated a strike on October 9, citing delays in receiving experience certificates needed for recruitment before the October 13 deadline. The Sanyukt Valmiki Evam Safayi Shramik Sangh union has accused local officials of inadequate cooperation. Officials, however, stated that delays occur due to the necessary verification of salary and insurance records.
On October 14, over 50,000 healthcare workers in Uttar Pradesh protested in the state capital, Lucknow, seeking permanent employment and equitable pay. Contract workers earn significantly less than their permanent counterparts, with contract nurses and doctors receiving 40,000–45,000 rupees ($420–472) a month compared to 200,000 rupees ($2102) for permanent staff.
In Chandigarh, support staff at Panjab University protested on October 14 against delayed wages and low pay, as many earn between 10,000–15,000 rupees ($101–158) per month.
In Tamil Nadu, more than 2,500 daily-wage health workers launched a protest on October 12, including a hunger strike, focusing on job security and employment conditions. The Tamil Nadu Health Minister stated that discussions were ongoing regarding their demands.
Over 1,000 garment workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh blocked roads on October 11 in a bid for a monthly minimum wage of 30,000 taka ($243) and the payment of outstanding wages. The protest, which caused significant traffic delays, was part of a three-day demonstration against rising living costs.
Additionally, Chattogram port workers have resumed a symbolic hunger strike, demanding job security and the cancellation of a concession agreement with DP World regarding the New Mooring Container Terminal. They have threatened to escalate their protests if negotiations are not initiated by October 18.
Labor Strikes in Australia
In Tasmania, public servants rallied on October 9 against a governmental plan to cut 1,700 state service jobs by 2029-30. Community and Public Sector Union members expressed their opposition in front of the Executive Building, demanding proper consultation regarding the restructure.
At the University of Melbourne, staff members held a 24-hour strike on October 12, followed by a teaching ban until October 16, seeking a 20 percent pay increase over three years and improved working conditions.
More than 100 Qantas engineers conducted a two-hour work ban on October 12, marking their first strike in 16 years. They demand a 13 percent pay rise in the first year, while the company offers only 3 percent annually. Workers are currently voting on additional striking actions.
Workers at Air Radiators in Victoria also engaged in a series of strikes over the last few weeks, demanding a new enterprise agreement that includes a 36-hour workweek and 4 percent annual pay increases.
Additionally, nurses at the Repatriation Centre in Hobart walked off the job on October 12, advocating for better pay and working conditions amid a broader public health crisis. Meanwhile, engineers at the Australian Energy Market Operator have imposed indefinite bans while demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
Security screeners at Sydney Airport conducted strikes on October 13, aiming to secure better working hours and job stability. The strikes followed unsuccessful negotiations with Certis, the management company.
As these labor disputes continue to evolve, both workers and officials are preparing for potential future escalations if demands are not met.
