The coal industry has been declared a public utility service under the Industrial Disputes Act for another six months with effect from today, according to a labour ministry notification.The coal industry was earlier declared a public utility service for six months from December 28, 2006.Under the notification, employees in the industry cannot strike work unannounced. They will be required to give notice to employers six weeks in advance, so that conciliatory proceedings could be initiated.During the proceedings and seven days after their completion, employees have been barred from going on strike.
