Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS): The proposed three-day strike in world's largest coal miner, Coal India Limited (CIL), next week was Friday defered till December by the trade unions following discussion with the management here.

According to unions, they wanted more time to discuss the contentious issues with the government. However, if the demands are not met, they would go for a three-day strike starting Dec 17.

"Our opposition to stake-sale and proposed restructuring is still there. But we are aware of the economic situation of the country and hence we are deferring the strike," said S.Q. Zama, secretary general of Indian National Mine Workers' Federation (affiliated to INTUC), which is the largest among all the five coal workers' unions who had called for the strike.

The trade unions operating in CIL and its subsidiaries Aug 20 served the strike notice beginning Sep 23 against proposed disinvestment of five percent of CIL shares and to press for other demands.