Coal India, Singareni Collieries to face strike next month

Kolkata, Dec 18: Five trade unions in state-run Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Co (SCC) have called for a five-day strike beginning Jan 6 protesting against denationalisation of coal and disinvestment in the world's largest coal miner. The decision followed the meeting of four trade unions operating in CIL and SCC in Ranchi, Jharkhand Wednesday. Post the meeting, the Left-backed All India Coal Workers Federation (AICWF) has extended its support to the scheduled strike. Congress-backed Indian National Mineworkers Federation (INMFW), Hind Khadan Mazdoor Federation, AITUC controlled Indian Mine Workers' Federation and the coal workers' union of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh apart from Left-backed AICWF will be participating in the strike which will involve over seven lakh of the labour force. The trade unions are yet to officially communicate the strike proposal to CIL and SCC.