India: Electricity workers plan nationwide strike, protests Aug. 8-9

Event

Unionized power engineers are striking across India Aug. 8, while members of the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE) will cease work and protest at district headquarters Aug. 9. Participants intend to denounce the Electricity (Amendment) Bill to be tabled in parliament Aug. 8. Likely protest locations include government buildings, public squares, and major roadways. Several dozen to a few hundred people are expected to participate in each rally. Additional demonstrations are likely in the coming days if the bill is passed.

Electricity supply disruptions are possible during the action. Transport disruptions due to malfunctioning traffic signals or electrical rail infrastructure are possible during outages. Temporary commercial and communications disruptions, including cellular service disruptions, may also occur. Government buildings and large businesses that generally rely on private generators are unlikely to be directly affected. Disruptions to the potable water supply are likely in areas dependent on electronic water filtration systems. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.

Security personnel will likely monitor protests and may try to disperse especially disruptive gatherings. Clashes between protesters and police are possible. Protesters may march along or block roadways, causing localized transport disruptions.

Advice

Avoid protests due to possible clashes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near gatherings. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks, as protesters may react violently. Conserve electricity. Charge all communication and portable electronic devices when possible. Unplug electronic equipment that is not connected to surge protectors. Exercise caution when driving in areas affected by outages. Verify that security systems are working, including after power resumes. Ensure that generators are functional and properly fueled.