Following the announcement of a 48-hour nation wide trade union strike on January 8 and 9, several schools across Kerala have announced that they will be shut for the next two days. Schools, not just in Kerala but in other states such as Karnataka as well, have announced holidays due to the strike as buses and autos will not be running on the two days.

Schools and other educational institutions will not be able to function as most teachers' unions too have joined the strike.

The two day general strike, organised by the National Convention of Workers back in September to protest against the anti-worker and anti-trade union policies of the Narendra Modi government. Some of the major trade unions participating in the strike are Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), All India Trade Union Congress, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Self Employed Women's Association. Those employed by banks, Railways and electricity as well as taxi drivers and street vendors, too, are expected to take part in the strike.