The wage negotiation in Coal India is in progress. The five-year wage agreement will be effective from 01-01-2006, since the last agreement was w.e.f. 01-01-2001.The unions have demanded for 35% hike while the management is prepared up to 25%. There are more than 5 lakh workers and it is the biggest PSU as far as the number of workers is concerned.  This week will be crucial for the discussion.