SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 7: The Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Union (RCMU), affiliated with the Congress Party, has called upon the Indian National Mines Supervisors’ Association (INMOSA) to extend full support to the proposed nationwide strike on July 9.
The strike, backed by major national trade unions, is being organized in protest against the policies of the BJP-led central government, which the unions have described as anti-labour and anti-industry.
RCMU general secretary A.K. Jha on Monday sent a formal appeal to INMOSA and to the outsourcing companies operating in Coal India Limited (CIL) mines, urging them to halt coal production and dispatch completely on July 9 in support of the agitation.
Also Read- Centre clears path for diploma-holding SRs to be Assistant Professors in medical colleges
Strike Targets Government Policy, Not Outsourcing Companies
Jha clarified that the strike is not directed against outsourcing companies, but rather against what he termed the “anti-worker and anti-people” policies of the Union government. “Outsourcing companies must also join the strike to help save the coal industry,” he stated in the letter.
The RCMU leader further said that the decision to strike was not taken lightly, as trade unions generally avoid calling nationwide agitations. However, the BJP government has allegedly left them with no choice.
He accused the Centre of turning workers into bonded labourers by extending duty hours to 12 per day, imposing a 90-hour workweek, and pushing for the sale of public sector units.
Also Read- SC to hear pleas on Bihar voter list revision on July 10
Massive Mobilization Underway
Several national trade unions, including INTUC, CITU, AITUC, and HMS, are actively preparing for the July 9 strike.
The agitation is expected to significantly impact coal production in Jharkhand, particularly in the mines operated by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL).
With strong coordination among opposition trade unions and rising discontent among workers, union leaders believe the strike could see a large-scale participation across the coal belt.
