Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has extended Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) prohibiting strikes by employees in power utilities and establishments including GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, NESCO, WESCO & SOUTHCO by another 6 months.

Meanwhile, President of Odisha Power Employees Union, Dhulai Sahoo said that if the government doesn't clear the pending salaries of the workers, an indefinite strike will be called by 2000 contractual workers working in 137 sub-stations across the State.

"Despite reminders since May, the government hasn't taken any steps. We are now being forced to go on a strike from July 7," said Sahoo.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Odisha government invoked the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) to deal with the strike called by transporters, loaders and tippers under the banner of All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) on July 20.

As per reports, the prohibitory order would remain in force for next six months.

scrollToTop