Southern States - Tamil Nadu

`Don't give assent to strike ban bill'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI May 16. Representatives of the LPF, the DMK trade union wing, handed over a petition to the Governor's secretary today, urging the Governor not to give his assent to the ``draconian'' Tamil Nadu Essential Service Maintenance Bill 2002.

The petition stated that while the Industrial Disputes Act (IDA), 1947, treated both strikes and lockouts on the same footing, the present bill dealt only with strikes and not lockouts.

``In the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, it is stated that "there is at present no law empowering the State Government to deal promptly and effectively with strikes in essential services. It is contrary to truth. The IDA is in operation for the past 55 years and the Government is empowered to prohibit strikes and lockouts in certain industries, during specific periods and in certain specific circumstances vide some sections". Hence a separate act was not needed.

Also, as per the bill refusal to do overtime work was also an offence. This was against ``human rights'' and also against the provisions of the Constitution, the LPF said.

Protesting against the bill, the CPI (M) has decided to organise a State-wide agitation on May 23.

The State secretariat of the party said such measures were intended to snatch away the hard-won rights of the workers. The party also condemned the restrictions on public meetings and processions.

In another resolution, it condemned the remarks of the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, against the bureaucracy. Such statements would not help in improving the administrative machinery.

It demanded more financial powers for local bodies.

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