Write a brief note on prohibition of Strikes and Lock outs
Prohibition of Strikes and lock-outs:-
Section 22 of the Act deals with the prohibition of strikes and lock-outs. This section applies to the strikes or lock-
outs in industries carrying on public utility service.
Section 22(1) provides that no person employed in public utility service shall go on strike in breach of contract:
(a) Without giving to the employer notice of strike within six weeks before striking; or
(b) Within fourteen days of giving such notice; or
(c) Before the expiry of the date of strike specified in any such notice as aforesaid; or
(d) During the pendency of any conciliation proceeding before a Conciliation Officer and seven days after the
conclusion of such proceedings.
It is to be noted that these provisions do not prohibit the workmen from going on strike but require them to fulfil the
conditions before going on strike.
Section 22(2) lays down that no employer carrying on any public utility service shall lock-out any of his workmen-
a. Without giving them notice of lock-out as hereinafter provided within six weeks before locking out; or
b. within fourteen days of giving such notice; or
c. before the expiry of the date of lock-out specified in any such notice as aforesaid; or
d. during the pendency of any conciliation proceeding before any conciliation officer and seven days after the
conclusion of such proceeding.
General prohibition of strikes and lock-outs:-
The prohibition against strikes and lock-outs contained in Section 23 is general in nature. It applies to both public
utility as well as non-public utility establishments. A strike in breach of contract by workmen and lock-out by the
employer is prohibited in the following cases:
a. during the pendency of conciliation proceedings before a Board and seven days after the conclusion of such
proceedings;
