Two-day strike: Govt warns employees of consequences

The Centre today warned central government employees of consequences, including deduction of wages and disciplinary action, in case they took part in a two -day strike from Wednesday, which has been proposed by their union. 

Citing a Supreme Court judgement, the government said that the employees' association does not have any right to strike work. It added that acts of violation by employees would be considered as "grave misconduct". 

"Any employee going on a strike of any form would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action," the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said in a directive issued to the secretaries of all central government ministries. 

The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has issued a call for a strike on February 12 and 13. 

"The right to form an association does not include any guaranteed right to strike. There is no statutory provision empowering the employees to go on strike," it said. 

"Central government employees under your ministry or departments may, therefore, be suitably informed of the government's instructions and other regulations upheld by Supreme Court and dissuaded from resorting to strike in any form," DoPT told the secretaries. 

"You may also issue instructions against sanctioning of Casual Leave or any other leave for employees during the period of the proposed strike and ensure that the willing employees are allowed hindrance-free entry into office," states the directive. 

The various ministries may entrust a joint secretary (administration) with the task of coordinating with security officials in respect of the strike, the directive says, adding that a suitable contingency plan may also be worked out to execute the various official functions. 

"In case the employees go on strike, a report indicating the number of those who took part in it may be conveyed to this department on the evening of the day," the order said. 

There are about 50 lakh central government employees in the country.

Source : Business Standard