BPCL-Kochi refinery workers restrained from joining strike

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday restrained employees of BPCL-Kochi refinery from participating in the two-day nationwide strike called by the central trade unions from Wednesday.

Admitting the petition filed by BPCL-Kochi refinery, Justice P Chidambaresh stayed further proceedings on the strike notice given by the employees' unions. Four unions of the BPCL-Kochi refinery had given notice to the management for participating in the strike.

According to the management, the strike notice was in violation of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act. The union’s demands for long-term settlement were pending consideration. While this was so, unions cannot go on strike, it said.

The strike has been called by the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sabha, INTUC, All India Trade Union Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions and All India United Trade Union Centre among others.

The 10 demands mainly relate to checking of price rise, generation of employment, halting of disinvestment in public sector enterprises and implementation of labour laws.

No work, no pay
Meanwhile, the state government has declared 'dies non' (no work, no pay) as pro-Left service and teachers unions are also striking work. Emergency services like medical services, milk supply and media have been exempted from the purview of the strike, AITUC leader Kanam Rajendran said.

The strike is likely to cripple normal life across Kerala with workers from varied sectors including transport and banking joining the protest. Apart from unions owing allegiance to the Left, the pro-Congress INTUC and pro-BJP BMS are also participating.