HC declares Maha transport corpn workers' strike illegal
October 21, 2017 07:53
Terming the ongoing strike of the employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) "illegal", the Bombay high court on Friday directed them to resume work immediately.
In a late evening order, Justice S K Shinde also directed the committee, set up by the state government to look into the employees' issues, to submit its interim report by November 15 and the final report on December 21.
Over one lakh MSRTC employees went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, demanding a salary hike in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.
The court was hearing two PILs, including one filed by city resident Jayant Satam, seeking that the strike be declared illegal and the staff be asked to resume work.
"The strike is illegal and they (MSRTC staff) are directed to resume work with immediate effect," the court said. "The government cannot remain a mute spectator on the strike. This is affecting the public at large, especially during the festive season," it added.
The court was informed that a committee had been set up to resolve the issue. Noting that the government and the MSRTC needed to sit together to resolve the issue, the court posted the petitions for further hearing to January 10.
The two petitions were filed on Wednesday, highlighting the hardship the passengers were facing, especially in the rural areas where MSRTC buses are often the only public transport facility, due to the strike ahead of Diwali.
Nearly 65 lakh people travelled by MSRTC buses every day, the petitions said.
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