To protect the public interest, the Industrial Relations Act 1967 imposes
strict limitations on industrial actions within "Essential Services."
These include sectors such as electricity, public health, water,
and telecommunications.
According to Section 43, workmen in essential services cannot go on
strike without giving at least 21 days' notice. This "cooling-off"
period is designed to allow for conciliation and to prevent
sudden disruptions to vital community services.
Additionally, Section 44A gives the Minister the power to order
a strike or lock-out to stop if it extends beyond a certain scope
or time and endangers the life, personal safety, or health of the
population. Participating in an illegal strike can lead to
imprisonment or heavy fines for both the individual workmen
and the trade union involved.
