Indian coal workers' unions will hold a two-day protest against the federal government's move to auction coal blocks to private-sector companies for commercial mining. The protests could affect coal output and it will be held during work hours.
While still following Covid-19 safety guidelines, the unions have advised workers to organise protests and processions outside coal mines, offices and headquarters. Workers will carry out protests and campaigns on 11 June against the auction.
Along with a series of domestic roadshows to attract companies to the first round of bidding, the federal coal ministry plans to launch a tender for the auction of at least 36 coal blocks for commercial mining on 11 June.
The five coal unions, which represent around 450,000 workers at state-controlled mining firms Coal India (CIL), Singareni and Neyveli Lignite have called for these protests and demanded a suspension of the auction. The unions are also protesting against a proposal to separate the Central Mines Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) from CIL. CMPDI is a subsidiary of CIL involved in consultancy and engineering services.
