Bengaluru Metro Union threaten to go on indefinite strike
What's the story
Come March 22, and there may be no metro running in Bengaluru. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) employees' union have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from that day. Among the many demands, better pay and recognition for their union are the topmost ones. They are planning to distribute leaflets among commuters to enlighten them about the issues. Here's more.
Their side
'We are forced to go on strike because of management'
Over 70 employees of Namma metro held a meeting on Friday wearing black badges as a mark of protest. "Let the management invite us for talks and take steps to solve our demands. We will call off the strike the very next minute. We are forced to go on a strike because of the management," said legal advisor to the union, D Leelakrishnan.
Details
They did write about the strike to management
Nearly 75% of the total 1,200 Metro employees are attached to the Bangalore Metro Rail Employees Union. They alleged that it is registered and is a member of the Indian National Trade Union Congress, but it is yet to be recognized. They did write to the MD of BMRCL on Wednesday notifying him that they will "go on strike on and from March 22."
Reason
Management warns of legal action, Union scoffs off
Mahendra Jain, BMRCL MD, meanwhile, said that metro comes under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and anyone disrupting such services can be booked legally. However, the Union said that BMRCL cannot take an action under ESMA. "The High Court had on November 7 last year issued a stay on its earlier attempt to invoke ESMA against striking employees in the union," he said.