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Here is a summary of seven of the biggest worker protests around the world so far in 2025.
1. India – “Bharat Bandh” General Strike (July 9, 2025)
Why: Protestors demanded rollback or reform of newly passed four labour codes, which they claim reduce workers’ rights (restrict strike ability, extend work hours, weaken penalties for employer violations). Also opposing privatisation of public enterprises, poor job security for contract workers, inflation, and lack of government response to past worker demands.
Impact: Services like banking, postal, coal mines, transport etc. were disrupted. It is considered one of the biggest general strikes in India‘s history.
2. USA – Oregon Nurses Association Strike
Healthcare workers in Oregon (represented by the Oregon Nurses Association) conducted a long strike against Providence Health & Services from January to February 2025.
Why: Demands included better staffing plans, higher wages (eventual increases up to ~22%), better benefit structures, compensation for missed breaks, etc.
Impact: It became the largest healthcare-worker strike in Oregon’s history.
3. USA – New York Corrections Officers Wildcat Strike
In Feb–March 2025, correctional officers in New York State staged a “wildcat” strike (not officially union-backed).
Why: Protests over working conditions, opposition to the HALT Act, concerns about shift lengths, staffing
Impact: Severe disruptions in prison operations; legal issues since public employees in NY are barred from striking; about 2,000 guards fired. Also, there were serious consequences including prisoners’ deaths partly tied to lowered staffing
4. South Africa – Sibanye-Stillwater / Marikana Mining Protests
There have been a number of mining-sector protests this year. Key among them is the strike at Sibanye-Stillwater, and the ongoing unrest at Marikana (which is a long-running flashpoint).
Why: Workers are demanding significantly higher wages, better conditions, especially for “unskilled/semi-skilled” workers. Demands for wage increases over multiple years and more recognition
Impact: Major transport disruption (highway blockades, public marches), growing attention on inequality in mining wages. These take place against a backdrop of mining being central to South Africa’s economy and many workers living in precarious conditions.
5. Greece – General Strike Over Low Wages & Loss of Collective Bargaining
In April 2025, thousands of workers across Greece took part in a 24-hour general strike.
Why: Sharp rises in cost of living, inflation, low wages, and most importantly demands for the restoration of collective bargaining rights which had been curtailed in previous years.
Impact: Disruption of transport, flight and ferry cancellations, public services partially suspended. It reflects growing pressure in EU countries where inflation has eroded real wages.
6. Belgium – Strike Against Pension Reforms
Large protests / strike actions took place in Belgium in early 2025. The protests were carried out due to over proposed pension legislation.
Why: The new government’s pension reforms were viewed by unions as lowering social protections. It especially affected those who retire at a later stage in life or who have long service. They were the ones who would be penalized under the new rules.
Impact: Travel & air traffic were disrupted as hundreds of flights were cancelled. Public sector participation in striking was broad. It showed strong resistance to policy perceived as undermining welfare commitments.
7. England – Birmingham Bin Strike
Workers involved in refuse collection in Birmingham, England have been striking since March 2025.
Why: A dispute over payment and proposed job cuts, especially the elimination of certain roles (Waste Recycling and Collection Officer roles). Municipal council proposals triggered strong resistance.
Impact: Collection and related services were refused which have been disrupted for months. Although it is a local protest it is significant because sanitation is a core public service, and its breakdown affects many residents directly.
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