On the call of five revolutionary trade unions of coal workers including Godavari Loya Boggugani Karmika Sangham affiliated to Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), 92,000 workers of Singareni coal mines in Andhra Pradesh observed a three-days strike from 25th-27th April 2005 demanding 7th Wage Agreement. Earlier this year, these unions had observed a successful one-day strike (almost total strike in some areas) and also held a demonstration outside Singareni office at Hyderabad on 17th February 2005.

As the workers geared up for the three-days strike, the Government of Andhra Pradesh responded with clamping ESMA, randomly arresting leaders addressing press conferences etc. On the 24th evening workers of open cast mines were virtually ‘imprisoned’ in the mines by the management so that the option of not coming to duty next morning was taken away from them. The government posted thousands of policemen at every pit in the Singareni mines to frighten the workers. It arrested leaders of the striking unions in large numbers. Com. Jayaraj (Vice President of IFTU affiliated GLBKS) and six IFTU leaders at Bhoopalapalli were among those arrested. Despite these repressive measures almost complete strike was observed on all three days. Workers of open cast mines, detained within the premises, sat idle and refused to discharge work. All major trade unions in Singareni except INTUC, seeing the mood of the workers, supported the strike.

The Singareni management has argued that the issue of 7th Wage Board is an issue of entire coal sector of India and the strike action in Singareni alone is pointless. However, the fact is that the strike of these workers has inspired coal workers all over India and given an indication of the taste of things to come if the workers’ rights are undermined any longer. The 7th Wage Board is 44 months overdue. In the elections to AP assembly as well as in parliamentary elections the Congress promised convening of the Wage Board if elected. But almost a year has passed since UPA Government has been in power and yet the Government has not awakened from its slumber.

The IFTU has demanded of the Central Government that the 7th Wage Board be concluded forthwith and has called on all coal workers to take the Singareni movement as an inspiration to intensify all India struggle in the coming days. IFTU has also congratulated the workers of Singareni for the resounding success of the strike call.