Bombay HC calls Maharashtra transport strike illegal, orders it called off immediately, say reports
The workers’ unions wanted their salaries revised as per the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.
The Bombay High Court on Friday called the Maharashtra transport workers strike “illegal” and ordered that it be ended immediately, ANI reported. The court asked the state government to set up a five-member panel by October 23, The Times of India reported.
The panel will have to decide and submit an interim pay revision by November 15 and submit its final report by December 21 on the matter. The court ruled that the transport workers’ services were essential, the English daily re
#FLASH: Bombay High Court terms #MSRTC strike 'illegal' & orders to call it off with Immediate effect pic.twitter.com/tl4bjiDibC
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017
#MSRTC Strike: Bombay High Court orders the Maharashtra Government to come out with concrete steps by 4:30 pm today
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017
#MSRTC strike matter: Bombay High Court says it is not in our jurisdiction, suggests to make alternative arrangements for public convenience
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017
The strike affected people travelling during Diwali. Lakhs of passengers use the 17,000 state buses that operate across Maharashtra every day. The state government had asked private vehicles to fill in.
Several workers even shaved their heads as part of the protest, NDTV reported.
Talks between the Maharashtra government and the transporters union on Wednesday failed. The workers had been negotiating with the administration but had refused to call off the strike till they are paid better salaries. The unions wanted their salaries revised as per the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.