Telangana: Nationwide Strike Disrupts SCCL Coal Mining as Protesters Oppose Labour Codes

Speedy Summary:

• Coal mining operations across 11 areas of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in Telangana were disrupted due to a nationwide general strike on July 9,2025.
• Ten central trade unions called for the strike to protest the Central Government’s labor policies, which thay described as “anti-labour.”
• Workers from various unions,excluding Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)-affiliated Singareni Coal Mines Karmika Sangh,participated in protests that included rallies,human chain formations,and dharnas in coal towns like Godavarikhani and Mandamarri.
• Major participating unions included AITUC-affiliated Singareni Collieries Workers’ Union and CITU-affiliated Singareni Collieries Employees’ Union. Slogans were raised against the Center’s four new labour codes termed detrimental to worker rights.
• SCCL management estimated a revenue loss of ₹76 crore for the day due to halted coal production and transportation.
• CPI(M) activists demonstrated at a bus depot in Bhadradri Kothagudem district,temporarily blocking bus movement.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The nationwide strike by trade unions highlights growing discontent among workers over labour reforms introduced by the Central Government. The significant participation seen across telangana’s coal belt underscores concerns about perceived threats to long-standing worker protections. the participation of major trade union bodies suggests cohesive resistance against deregulation considered detrimental by them.

For India’s economy and energy sector, disruption at SCCL-one of India’s major coal producers-signifies potential challenges for industries reliant on steady coal supply if such strikes continue or escalate.Additionally, an estimated loss of ₹76 crore underlines how economic costs mount when industrial unrest meets critical sectors like mining. Moving forward, balancing economic reform with worker welfare thru dialog may play a crucial role in managing tensions sparked by policy shifts.

Read more