Nationwide Strike Cripples Coal Production in Dhanbad, Jharkhand
Coal production at the mines of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in Dhanbad was severely disrupted on Thursday as workers participated in a nationwide strike. The industrial action was organized to protest against the new labour codes introduced by the central government, which unions have labeled as "anti-worker."
Significant Drop in Daily Output
Industry insiders reported that the strike led to a substantial 40% decline in the average daily production of these major coal companies. This significant reduction highlights the widespread impact of the work stoppage on critical mining operations in the region.
Key Sites Affected by Worker Absenteeism
Workers abstained from their duties at several crucial BCCL locations, including the Vishwakarma Loading Point at Dhanasar, the Block-2 area, Hajiri Ghars, and Shatabdi Colliery. Demonstrations and dharnas were held outside attendance centres, effectively halting all production activities and coal dispatch operations.
Transportation and Supply Chain Disruptions
Coal transportation was also severely affected by the strike, leading to major disruptions in supply chains. These logistical challenges have caused considerable financial setbacks for the companies involved, compounding the economic impact of the production halt.
Multi-Sector Participation in the Strike
Sandeep Aich, president of the BSSR union, emphasized that the strike was not confined to the coal sector alone. He noted significant participation from employees across various industries, including:
- Banking and financial services
- Healthcare and medical facilities
- Anganwadi centers
- Insurance companies
Aich strongly asserted that the four Labour Codes would not be allowed to be implemented under any circumstances. He warned of intensifying the agitation at the national level, including the possibility of organizing a major march to Delhi to amplify their demands.
Union Leaders Voice Strong Opposition
Kishore Murmu, area vice president of the Jharkhand Colliery Mazdoor Union, expressed grave concerns about the new labour codes. He stated, "The new codes would increase exploitation of workers and push their conditions back to pre-1975 levels," highlighting fears of regression in workers' rights and protections.
Leaders from prominent labour organizations, including AITUC, INTUC, Janata Mazdoor Sangh, and Bihar Colliery Kamgar Union, joined the protest at Randhir Verma Chowk. They collectively accused the central government of promoting privatization policies that weaken fundamental labour rights and protections for workers across industries.
The protesters raised slogans demanding the immediate withdrawal of the labour codes, terming them detrimental to worker interests and contrary to principles of fair labor practices.
