Coal mining came to a full stop in Telangana’s Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) today, July 9, as workers joined a nationwide strike. The strike was called by ten central trade unions to protest against the Centre’s four new labour codes.
The SCCL strike covered 11 coal mining areas spread across six districts. The impact was strong and loud. Workers didn’t just stay home. They came out with rallies, dharnas, and human chains in key coal towns like Godavarikhani, Mandamarri, and Kothagudem.
The strike has caused a major blow to SCCL’s daily revenue. According to company sources, SCCL is expected to lose around ₹76 crore in just one day. Management had earlier appealed to workers not to join the strike. But their message clearly didn’t work.
Who Took Part in the SCCL Strike?
Almost all trade unions under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) joined the protest. Only the BMS-affiliated Singareni Coal Mines Karmika Sangh stayed out. Others, including:
- AITUC-backed Singareni Collieries Workers’ Union (official SCCL union)
- CITU-backed Singareni Collieries Employees’ Union
- Telangana Boggu Gani Karmika Sangham (TBGKS)
These unions led strong protests in the coal belt. In Godavarikhani (Peddapalli district), a massive human chain was formed. The mood was defiant. Slogans filled the air. The anger was clear.
Also Read Bharat Bandh Today: 25 Crore Workers Strike; Key Demands and Affected States
What’s the Protest About?
Workers are angry about the Centre’s four new labour codes. They believe these codes take away their hard-earned rights. Protesters called them “anti-labour” and “pro-corporate.” The message was loud: don’t touch our labour laws.
Activists of the CPI (M) and their allies also showed support. In Bhadrachalam (Bhadradri Kothagudem district), they blocked buses for some time.
SCCL’s Stand and What’s Next
SCCL management said coal production and transport would suffer big losses. But the workers didn’t step back. They want the Centre to listen.
For Telangana’s coal belt, this strike is not just about one day’s pay. It’s about respect and rights. The battle between workers and the Centre is heating up. And SCCL is at the centre of it all.
Also Read ICICI Prudential AMC to Launch IPO After ₹2,650 Cr FY25 Profit
