SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, June 27: The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) is preparing for the proposed nationwide strike in the coal industry on July 9. The strike, organized under the banner of the Joint Front of national trade unions, aims to protest against the central government’s policies affecting labour rights and benefits.
A.K. Jha, General Secretary of Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Union (RCMU)—the coal miners’ front of INTUC—has issued directives to all central committee officers, regional executive members, and branch leaders to ensure the success of the strike. He emphasized that the action is necessary to protect the interests of both the coal industry and its workers.
Also Read- Centre, Odisha join hands to double SAIL Rourkela steel plant’s capacity
“Under the leadership of INTUC National President Dr. G. Sanjeeva Reddy, all major national trade unions have agreed to observe a nationwide strike on July 9. RCMU President Kumar Jay Mangal Singh alias Anup Singh, MLA, has appealed to all office bearers and leaders to mobilize full support within the coal industry,” Jha stated in a letter addressed to union leaders.
The Joint Front—which includes INTUC, HMS, AITUC, and CITU—had earlier called for the strike on May 20. However, it was postponed to July 9 in the wake of the Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
Also Read- IRCTC to run ‘Bharat Gaurav’ Jyotirlinga Tourist Train via Bokaro & Ranchi
According to A.K. Jha, the strike will protest the BJP-led government’s capitalist policies, rising atrocities against labourers, dilution of labour laws, unchecked inflation, and the reduction of miners’ benefits and entitlements.
