The city is likely to come to a complete halt on February 20 and 21 as all employee unions across the state are likely to support the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by the central trade unions, organisations and federations. 

While only the Railways’ employee unions have decided to stay away from the strike, all other unions — municipal corporation, auto and taxi drivers, hawkers, suburban service providers and commodity markets — are all set to join the two-day protest.

However, railway services could be affected as striking workers from other unions have threatened to stop trains.

“No bandh in India is successful unless its effect is seen in Mumbai. Among the essential civic services, the fire brigade will work only if there is an emergency. In BMC hospitals, nurses and ward boys will stay off work,” said Sharad Rao, president, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, parent body of all municipal and trade unions.

He added that all municipal corporations from the state that are affiliated to his union would participate in the strike. They are expected to stop work from February 19 midnight.