Singareni workers to stir after 8 years

Khamman,NoV 17: The workers of recognised union of the Singareni coal mines have decided to launch a strike on Nov 25 after a gap of eight years. The company had also bagged an award in 2007 for its most disciplined work-force who did not take recourse to an agitation for years.When a private company took over the Koyagudem mines in Ellandu in 2001,the Singareni workers' unions opposed and went on an agitation for 17 days.As part of a nation-wide strike, the Singareni workers expressed solidarity and went on stir on August 20 last year. Since then, there is no stir by the workers.

This time, the workers are going on stir seeking 25 percent bonus out of the company's profits, although the government has announced a 16 percent bonus this year.The Singareni Collieries will incur a loss of Rs.10 crore per day if the workers resort to agitation.Production will come to a halt in the coal belt comprising Kothagudem, Manuguru, Ramagundam, Bellampalli and Bhupalapalli, if the workers begin a stir.The Singareni Coals has set a production target of 50 million tonnes and digging of 1.50 lakh tons with 70,000 workers per day. If all workers go on strike, the company would lose heavily.

All the unions of Singareni except INTUC led by Singareni workers union have decided to participate in the strike.INTUC has not yet taken a decision to join the strike. Its state general secretary Dalaiah said the decision would be taken at the executive committee meeting. He claimed that the state government has announced 16 percent bonus to the workers at the behest of the INTUC.