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Kerala High Court restrains refinery staff from taking part

The court asked the unions not to obstruct willing employees

Kochi: Kerala High Court on Monday restrained Petroleum Employees Association (PEA) from participating in the nationwide strike called by trade unions on September 2.

Responding to a petition that the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) filed, the court asked the unions not to obstruct willing employees.

Justice V. Chidambaresh said, “no strike should be called prejudicially to disrupt operations” of BPCL's installation at Irumpanam, near here, and transportation of petroleum products including LPG.

“The willing workers shall not be obstructed by anyone, and the smooth functioning of the BPCL unit should be ensured,” the court held.

The BPCL moved the court against the proposed strike arguing that the PEA was joining it in violation of the provisions of Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) and Industrial Dispute Act.

The demand raised by the unions do not come under the purview of the industrial dispute, the plea said, arguing it was illegal.

( Source : deccan chronicle )
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