NLC workers go on strike defying HC orders

Defying the Madras High Court orders, employees of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) tonight launched an indefinite strike protesting the Centre's decision to disinvest five per cent of its stake in the Navaratna PSU.
Around 30,000 workers, including 13,000 contractual employees, of the three lignite mines and as many thermal power stations attached to the NLC stopped work from around 9 pm, NLC and trade union officials said.
However, about 7,000 engineers and officers of NLC were not participating in the strike, G Krishnamurthy, Deputy Manager, Projects, told PTI.
General Secretary of DMK-affiliated Labour Progressive Front S Rajavanniyan said the strike would continue till the Centre gave up its decision to disinvest five per cent of its stake in the PSU.

NLC sources said since engineers and officers were attending duty and there was enough stock of lignite for 3-4 days, power generation would not be affected for the time being.
Earlier, the high court, had in its interim orders on a petition by the NLC Management, restrained the labour unions of the company from going on strike from tonight or from any date thereafter.

First Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Kumar Agrawal and Justice T Raja issued the stay and ordered issue of notice to the 18 labour unions cited as respondents by NLC General Manager (HR) M Maheswaran in his petition.

He contended NLC was a public utility service organisation and that its disruption in mining and power generation activities would seriously affect other services.
Though the right to strike is a recognised right, it is not a fundamental right and "such right can be exercised only as per the provisions of the industrial laws," he said.
The bench posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.