Strike by electricity dept staff in Puducherry ‘illegal,’ says official

The Union Territory administration on Sunday declared as ‘illegal’ the ongoing strike by electricity department staff to protest the decision to privatise power distribution.

In a statement, secretary, power department, T Arun said, “The strike is illegal under section 3 (q) of Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and employees resorting to strike are liable for action as per rules”.

He said the period of strike will also be considered “a break in service”.

The secretary appealed to the staff to call off their agitation and return to their normal duties failing which “necessary action would be taken as per rules”.