The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Shimla has issued an order prohibiting workers of the Shimla Electric Supply Undertaking (SEHB) Society from going on strike from May 15. The decision comes in response to a strike notice served by the employees' union, which had threatened to cease work over unresolved demands.
Order Issued Under Essential Services Maintenance Act
The DC invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent any disruption in power supply services. The order states that any strike or work stoppage by SEHB Society employees would be illegal and could lead to legal consequences. The administration emphasized that electricity is an essential service, and any interruption could severely impact public life and essential institutions like hospitals, water supply systems, and government offices.
Background of the Dispute
The employees' union had served a strike notice demanding resolution of long-pending issues, including salary revisions, regularization of contractual workers, and improvement in working conditions. The union had warned of an indefinite strike starting May 15 if their demands were not met. However, the DC's order has effectively barred them from doing so.
The administration has also warned that any employee participating in the strike would face disciplinary action, including suspension and deduction of wages. The DC urged both parties to resolve the matter through dialogue and assured that the district administration would facilitate talks between the union and the society's management.
Reactions from the Union
The employees' union has expressed disappointment over the DC's order, calling it an attack on their democratic rights. Union leaders stated that they had followed all legal procedures before serving the strike notice and that the administration should have addressed their grievances instead of imposing a ban. They further mentioned that they would explore legal options to challenge the order.
Meanwhile, residents of Shimla have expressed relief that power supply will not be disrupted. Many had feared blackouts and inconvenience if the strike had materialized. The district administration has assured the public that all necessary measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted electricity.
The SEHB Society, which manages power distribution in Shimla, has around 1,200 employees. The society's management has welcomed the DC's intervention and expressed willingness to hold talks with the union. However, no date for negotiations has been announced yet.
This is not the first time that the Shimla administration has used ESMA to prevent strikes in essential services. In the past, similar orders have been issued to avert work stoppages in hospitals and transport services. The DC's order remains in force until further notice.
