CIL workers to oppose disinvestment

Trade union CITU today claimed that workers of Coal India Ltd (CIL) would oppose disinvestment in the company which, it feared, would lead to gradual privatisation of the public sector giant.

The general secretary of CITU-affiliated Colliery Workers Federation, Jiban Roy, said that although the government had announced only 10 per cent stake sale in CIL, it was feared that it would ultimately lead to privatisation of the PSU.

He said that workers apprehended that disinvestment would result in worsening of the working conditions of the miners.

Roy said that workers had already observed a nation-wide strike on May 5 and that more would follow in the run-up to the disinvestment schedule.

Out of the 10 per cent stake earmarked for disinvestment, 1 per cent has been reserved for employees and workers.

The CIL disinvestment is expected to take place by September, this year.

Roy claimed that the workers would not subscribe to the shares of CIL and the programme would be opposed tooth and nai