Coal India Limited (CIL), a state-run miner, is facing indefinite strike threat after trade unions opposed 5% stake sale in the company.

The strike danger looms even after federal government revived its plan of selling 10% stake in the company, bring it down by half. However, a meeting between the company workers and the government failed to reach any conclusion.

All India Coal Workers Federation general secretary Jibon Roy told PTI that the unions have not received any concrete response for employment issue from CIL or on policy matter from the government.

"The trade unions are opposed to any further stake sale in CIL and we have decided to proceed on an initial three-day token strike, followed by an indefinite strike if the government proceeds with the disinvestment plans," added Roy.

Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Congress, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, Hind Mazdoor Sabha and Centre of Indian Trade Unions are intending to decide on future strategy during a meeting on 15 August 2013.

The unions fear job losses if the company proceeds with the stake sale.

Earlier in May 2013, CIL has decided to offload 10% stake in the company through a share auction that is expected to raise INR170bn ($3.14bn). The government currently holds 90% stake in the company.