The services in any Oil Field covered under item 17 of the First Schedule of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 will continue to be public utility for another six months with effect from November 19, 2006. The Labour Ministry in a notification issued here said that this has been done in public interest. The services in this industry were earlier declared public utility for six months from November 19, 2006 and subsequently extended for another six months from May 19, 2006.
The employees in this industry, as a result, would among other things be required to give notice to their employer six weeks in advance of proceeding on strike so that conciliatory proceedings could be started. During the conciliatory proceedings and seven days after their completion, the employees cannot go on strike.
MLD/lk L-103 (public utility Oil Fields) 20.11.06
(Release ID :22142)