SCCL union polls likely by December, parties step up worker outreach | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: With the term of the recognised trade union in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) having ended, the state govt is expected to take a decision soon on conducting fresh union elections, triggering political activity across the coal belt.Sources said elections to the recognised SCCL trade union could be held in late Nov or Dec. The issue is currently before the high court, where some unions have sought directions for conduct of elections and raised other related demands. If the govt conveys its stand to the court, the election schedule is expected to follow soon.The elections assume significance as SCCL employs nearly 40,000 workers, and the coal belt spans 13 assembly constituencies, giving trade unions considerable political influence in the region.Major parties, including Congress, BRS, BJP and Left-affiliated unions have intensified their outreach among workers over the past few months, holding meetings and programmes focused on employee welfare and pending issues.SCCL union elections were last held in Dec 2023, shortly after the Congress came to power. Congress-affiliated Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and CPI-backed All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) emerged victorious. However, the winning unions accepted their election certificates only in Sept 2024, demanding a four-year tenure instead of the stipulated two years.While the unions’ term technically ended in Dec 2025, the SCCL management continued recognising them till Sept 2026. Rival unions subsequently demanded equal status, arguing that the recognised unions had ceased to hold office after completion of their tenure, and also approached the court.Anticipating fresh elections, political parties have sharpened their focus on workers’ issues. The Congress govt has announced several welfare measures, including decisions relating to compassionate appointments, dependent employment, housing and other benefits. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy has also promised to resolve the long-pending Singareni house pattas issue.Meanwhile, Congress, BRS and BJP leaders have been holding meetings across coal belt areas, particularly in Mancherial, Chennur and Ramagundam. The BRS recently organised a major programme in Bhupalpally highlighting workers’ concerns and raising issues related to coal production and tendering.Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka too has held meetings with employees on SCCL-related issues as parties intensify preparations ahead of the crucial union polls.Elections to the recognised union of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation were held last week.