Mon Oct 07 16:22:05 UTC 2024: ## Coal Employees Rejoice: SECL Workers to Receive Increased Bonus of Rs. 93,750
**Bilaspur, September 30:** The festive season has arrived early for over 40,000 employees of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) with the announcement of a substantial bonus. This year, coal workers will receive an average bonus of Rs. 93,750, marking a significant increase of Rs. 8,750 from last year’s Rs. 85,000.
The decision was reached after a lengthy negotiation between management and union leaders at a standardization committee meeting held in Delhi. Union representatives had initially demanded a bonus of Rs. 1.5 lakh, while the management proposed Rs. 85,000. Following several rounds of discussion, a compromise was reached at Rs. 93,750.
The bonus announcement brings joy to over two lakh employees of Coal India and its subsidiary companies. Ahead of the meeting, union leaders had unanimously agreed to advocate for a higher bonus to protect the interests of workers. When the management initially hesitated to raise its offer, union leaders threatened industrial action, eventually leading to the bonus increase.
This year’s bonus signifies a continuous rise in compensation for coal employees. In 2014, the bonus stood at Rs. 40,000, highlighting the substantial improvement in recent years.
The increased bonus is expected to create a festive atmosphere in Bilaspur and other coalfield areas. The SECL headquarters and surrounding markets are likely to witness a surge in economic activity as employees celebrate the bonus payout.
Additionally, contract laborers will also receive a bonus, calculated at 8.33% of their earnings, as per the bonus act.
The meeting was attended by DP Vinay Ranjan, Manish Kumar, and other representatives from the management, while the union was represented by Sudhir Ghurade, Mazrurul Haque Ansari, Nathulal Pandey, and other prominent leaders.
First Piper 