The Petroleum Employees Association of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has been restrained by the Kerala High Court from participating in the September 2 strike called by central trade unions. The order was issued by the court on a petition filed by the BPCL, which stated that the association taking part in the strike amounted to violation of the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act and the Industrial Disputes Act. It was illegal for the association to go on strike, the petroleum company stated. The court directed the union not to obstruct the workers who were willing to work. The smooth functioning of the plant shall not be obstructed. “No strike should be called to disrupt operations of BPCL’s installation at Irumpanam and transportation of petroleum products including LPG,” the order said.
