State Government invokes Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act in view of two-day strike( bharat bandh) by employees in energy sector
Nagpur: In protest against the Government policies affecting workers, farmers, and people, a joint forum of Central Trade Unions has given a call for a nationwide strike on March 28 and 29. The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions condemned the anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-people and anti-national policies of the Central Government, a statement said.
The banking services are likely to be affected by the Bharat Bandh call as the banking sector will be joining the strike, the All India Bank Employees Association said on Facebook.
The Trade Unions said that after the State Assembly elections, the BJP Government at the Center has intensified the attacks on the working people, reducing the interest rate on EPF accumulations to 8.1 per cent from 8.5 per cent, sudden hike in petrol, LPG, kerosene, CNG prices.
The nationwide strike called by a joint forum of trade unions that will be joined by banks on 28 and 29 March is likely to impact the banking services, transportation, railways and electricity.
State Govt invokes MESMA:
Meanwhile, the State Government has invoked Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) in view of two-day strike by workers and employees in the energy sector. As talks between agitating employees and the State Government failed, the employees were firm on a two days strike beginning 12 midnight of March 28. To prevent collapse of production, transmission and distribution of power, the Department of Industries, Energy and Labour issued a notification imposing a ban on employees’ strike, since electricity is categorised as essential.
The stage is set for confrontation as employees in the energy sector of State are aggrieved over Central and State Government policies that are pointing towards privatisation of assets of three State run companies. The Joint Action Committee comprising 39 office-bearers of various unions held talks with Dinesh Waghmare, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Maharashtra Government, to thrash out the demands of the employees. Despite categorical assurance from the Government that there are no plans for privatisation of distribution, the employees feel that State is only buying time.
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