Wednesday, Oct 23, 2002
Wednesday, Oct 23, 2002 |
| Southern States | ||
|
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Southern States
-
Tamil Nadu
By Our Tamil Nadu Bureau
With some unions rejecting the offer of a four-per cent increase in dearness allowance made yesterday, the Government warned that stringent action would be initiated against those preventing the staff members from performing their duties. No pay would be given to the staff for the days they struck work. Also, if necessary, the ESMA would be used against the striking employees, an official release said. Under the ESMA, those in essential services who resort to a strike or fund or incite other employees to strike work will attract a maximum of three years imprisonment and a Rs. 5,000-fine. After an emergency meeting of various unions this evening, the president, Tamil Nadu Government Employees Association, N. L. Seedharan, said: "The Government did not invite for talks the unions which gave the strike call. We will not be cowed down by the threat of ESMA use. Over 200 unions and associations have conveyed their decision to participate in the strike." The strike call has been given by the Joint Action Council of Teachers and Employees Organisations and Government Employees Organisations, an umbrella organisation. Unions of many Central Government and public sector undertakings have decided to observe a day's strike tomorrow in support of their colleagues. However, associations under the Joint Action Council of Government Officials and Teachers have said their members would not participate in the strike. The police said transport and health services, water and power supply would be maintained and protection given to bus and rail passengers as well as school and office-goers.
Bonus announced
In another move, the Government offered a minimum bonus of 8.33 per cent of the annual pay, for Deepavali, to the staff of 18 transport corporations, but the unions affiliated to the CITU, the AITUC and the DMK's Labour Progressive Front have decided to stop plying buses from tomorrow, threatening to repeat last year's show of protest. Without the customary pre-Deepavali bonus talks, the Transport Secretary, R.Karpoorasundarapandian, said in a release that 8.33 per cent of the annual pay provided last year would be given this year too, to all those eligible for bonus and contract labourers. For, those drawing more than Rs. 2,500, the bonus would be worked out on a pay ceiling of Rs. 2,500. As for part-time workers, a reduced bonus would be given on a percentage basis, calculating their work period. However, many of the unions have rejected the "unilateral offer." Pamphlets claiming that buses would be off the road tomorrow have already been pasted on buses in the city. The AIADMK-affiliated Anna Thozhir Sanga Peravai came up with counter-notices, assuring normal services. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation too offered the minimum 8.33 per cent bonus to its Group C and D staff members, loaders, workers at direct procurement centres and those getting a consolidated pay. The Electricity Board also announced a bonus of 8.33 per cent to its employees and an ex gratia of Rs. 400 to part-time and contract workers, who received last year's payment and continued in service.
Printer friendly
page
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | The Sportstar | Frontline | Home |
Copyright © 2002, The
Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of
this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of
The Hindu
|
