Abstract
INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT TO SOLVE CRITICAL MINING DISPUTE
Binay Kumar Samanta*
ABSTRACT
Central Coalfields Limited, A Coal India Subsidiary was facing the closure of Rajhara Colliery because of trade union rivalry for the appointment of wagon loaders for coal despatch. Coal India, accounts for over 80% of India's coal production. Rajhara Colliery, near Daltongunge in India, was producing high-grade coal and coke with large demand. The colliery belonged to MS Bengal Coal Ltd of Andrew Yule and wagon loading was done by contractual workers. After nationalization, wagon loading was decided to be departmental and the Project Report provision was 256 only. Actually, the contractor used to keep a roster of around 500 wagon loaders, to save demurrage costs on a first come first serve basis. CCL HQ had taken the list of wagon loaders from 3 trade unions operating and common 256 wagon loaders were selected. Appointment letters were issued to them and wagons were supplied by the Railways. The rest of the wagon loaders obstructed physically preventing wagon loading and demurrage charges were levied and the mine closed. The then Chief Minister of Bihar Mr. Bhishma Narayan Singh belonging to the area, wanted quick resolution of the problem.
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