Prohibition of Strikes and Lock-Outs General Prohibition of Strikes
Prohibition of Strikes and Lock-Outs General Prohibition of Strikes
Prohibition of Strikes and Lock-Outs General Prohibition of Strikes
The provision pertaining to general prohibition of strikes [Sec. 23] applies in respect of
public utility service also. However, the act imposes certain additional restrictions on strikes
in the public utility services. These additional restrictions are as follows: A person employed
in public utility service must not go on strike in breach of contract;
(i) without giving to the employer a notice of strike within six weeks before striking;
or
(ii) within 14 days of giving such notice: or
(iii) before the expiry of the date of strike specified in the notice; or
(iv) During the pendency of conciliation proceedings before a Conciliation Officer and
seven days after the conclusion of such proceedings.
The notice of strike has to be given by such number of persons to such person and in such
manner as may be prescribed by the appropriate government. If an employer receives a
number of notices of strikes on any day, he is required to report the matter to the
appropriate government or an authority specified by it within five days of the date of receipt
of such notice. A notice of strike is not necessary where it is already in existence in the
public utility service but, in this case, the employer is required to send intimation of such a
strike to the authority specified by the appropriate government on the day on which it was
declared [Sec. 22].
Prohibition of Lock-outs
The provisions regarding the prohibition of lock-outs are the same as those for the
prohibition of strikes [Secs.22–23].
Where a strike or lock-out in pursuance of an industrial dispute has already commenced and
is in existence at the time of the reference of the dispute to a Board of Conciliation, an
arbitrator or an adjudication authority, the continuance of such strike or lock-out is not
illegal, provided that it was at its commencement not in contravention of the act or its
continuance specifically prohibited. A lock-out declared in consequence of an illegal strike or
a strike declared in consequence of an illegal lock-out is not illegal [Sec. 24].
Prohibition of Financial Aid to Illegal Strikes and Lock-outs
The act prohibits expending or applying any money in direct furtherance or support of any
illegal strike or lock-out [Sec. 25].