Over 500 delegates attended the 8th Central Convention of Jharkhand Colliery Workers’ Union in Ranchi, where CM Hemant Soren joined online, reaffirming support for workers and displaced families. New leadership was elected, and resolutions opposing privatization and labour codes were passed to strengthen workers’ rights.
The 8th Central Convention of the Jharkhand Colliery Workers Union was held on 28th June 2025 at Ravindra Bhavan, CMPDI campus, Ranchi. Despite his father’s health issues, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren joined the event virtually from Delhi and addressed the gathering of coal workers and union leaders. His participation was seen as a strong message of commitment towards the welfare of workers, displaced families, and tribal communities of the state. In his address, CM Soren assured that the state government is continuously working to ensure that labourers, especially those working in coal sectors and displaced due to mining activities, get their rightful benefits. He emphasized the government’s focus not only on employment security but also on providing basic facilities like housing, health care, and education to workers and their families.
“We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our tribal communities, workers, and displaced residents,” – Hemant Soren, Chief Minister, Govt. of Jharkhand
Union Undergoes Major Structural Changes
This convention was announced earlier on June 11 during a central committee meeting of the Union, held under the guidance of senior leader Shibu Soren. Ahead of the event, several significant organizational changes were made. All existing branch, project, colliery, regional, and zonal committees were dissolved with immediate effect. New committees are now being formed for the next term. To streamline the process, coordinators have been appointed for major Coal India subsidiaries like CCL, BCCL, and ECL.
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New Leadership Elected Unanimously
During the convention, more than 500 delegates from different parts of the state participated. The gathering unanimously elected new office bearers for the upcoming term. Shibu Soren was re-elected as the Central President of both the Jharkhand Colliery Workers’ Union and Jharkhand Shramik Sangh. Other key appointments include Mathura Prasad Mahato and Vinod Kumar Pandey as Vice Presidents, Fagu Besra as General Secretary, Jai Narayan Mahato as Secretary, Sonaram Manjhi as Treasurer, Shailendra Maithy and Sanjeev Bedia also took key roles in the Shramik Sangh.
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Key Resolutions Passed During the Event
Several crucial resolutions were adopted during the event. The union strongly opposed Privatization of coal projects, The implementation of the four labour codes, calling them anti-worker. Additionally, the union demanded Compensation for displaced landowners at four times the market rate, Permanent housing and land allotment under rehabilitation policies, Employment for all eligible unemployed displaced persons aged 18 and above, Land-for-land policies for affected communities, Amendments in Coal India’s 2012 rehabilitation policy to align with the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, Compensation for landholders with forest land titles under the Forest Rights Act, The union also announced its support for the upcoming nationwide general strike on 9th July, showing solidarity with workers across the country.
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A Step Towards Stronger Worker Advocacy
Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s message was widely appreciated by union members and workers. It not only motivated attendees but also showed that the state leadership remains connected to grassroots concerns even during personal hardships. Participants expressed hope that under this renewed leadership, the union would intensify its struggle for justice, fair wages, better working conditions, and rights for the displaced and affected populations of coal mining regions.
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