The five central trade unions, which called off their joint strike at Coal India, have demanded the government to give the coal monopoly the right to decide if it wants to keep any of the 200 odd mines, allotment of which to coal consumers for captive use were declared illegal by the Supreme Court last year. At the eight-hour marathon meeting that led the unions to end the strike on the second day of the planned five days, the union leaders also sought a restraining clause against sale of coal in the open market by captive owners of blocks. Coal India would hold separate meetings with the unions to negotiate five other demands.

These include implementation of five-day work weeks, jobs on compassionate grounds and improved medical facilities.