The 5 lakh coal workers will go on a three days strike from 8th August 2011 demanding five years wage revision which is due from July 2011. Their last wage revision was from July 2006.
The National Convention of Coal workers held at Ranchi on 28th June under the auspices of the coal workers unions affiliated to INTUC, CITU, AITUC, BMS and HMS has taken the decision to go on strike.
The National Convention also condemned the disinvestment of 26% shares in Coal India Limited, which is completely against the interest of the company and its workers.
The coal workers struggle will start similar struggles in other sectors also for a five years wage agreement. It is to be noted that the BSNL wage agreement does not mention the period since the Union wanted 5 years and the management wanted 10 years. Now after the five year period is over after 2012 the BSNL Unions can also demand for a new five year agreement.