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Coal India trade unions plan indefinite strike

Central trade unions, that represent 90% of workforce at state-run Coal India, have threatened to go on an indefinite strike if the government opens up the sector, allowing private miners to sell coal commercially in the market.

The unions have requested the coal ministry for a meeting — preferably in a day or two — before the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance is placed before the Parliament.

"If not, we will do whatever we can to reverse the government's decision. We have already requested a meeting either with the coal minister or the secretary, and if it's not scheduled in a day or two, we will decide on our next course of action which could involve indefinite strikes," said SQ Zama, secretary general of Indian National Mineworkers' Federation.

At 12:15 pm, the stock was trading at Rs 352.80, down 1.23 per cent on BSE.

"At this moment, our main agenda is to stop privatisation of commercial coal mining. We will stop it any cost," he added.

This move follows the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) being passed by the cabinet and being readied to be placed in the Parliament.

The unions had deferred their token strike on November 24 as the coal secretary held a meeting with them, assuring that the issue of commercial sale will be discussed with them before any decision is taken.

"If the government allows commercial coal mining, there will be a drastic fall in their income," he said.

Source: The Economic Times