SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 29: Four central trade unions—INTUC, CITU, HMS, and AITUC—have announced a nationwide protest on February 5 against the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) policy of Coal India Limited (CIL).
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), however, has opted out of the demonstration. The protest will be held at district headquarters across the country, including Dhanbad, where the unions will stage a dharna at Randhir Verma Chowk.
Following a meeting of the joint front of these trade unions, Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Union General Secretary A.K. Jha stated that privatization of mines and the reduction of labour benefits have left the unions with no choice but to oppose the central government’s policies.
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Concerns Over MDO Policy and Outsourcing Issues
Trade union leaders criticized the MDO policy, highlighting how mine contracts initially granted to private operators for three years were later extended to six, then nine, and now up to 25 years. They argue that this shift threatens the job security and welfare of coal sector workers.
Additionally, unions raised concerns about an outsourcing company’s alleged exploitation of workers in Lodna Colliery, a part of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). They pledged to escalate their agitation to safeguard labour rights in the region.
Protest Against Anti-Labor Policies
Jha further stated that the February 5 protest will not only oppose the MDO policy but also challenge what unions describe as anti-labour, anti-farmer, and anti-industry policies of the central government. Key issues include the 90-hour workweek and the broader impact of privatization on the workforce.
“It has been unanimously decided to hold dharna and demonstration at all districts headquarters in protest against anti-labour, 90 hours work in a week, anti-farmer and anti-industry policy of central government”, said AK Jha.
The upcoming dharna aims to send a strong message against policies that trade unions believe are detrimental to workers’ rights and job security.
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