HAL to continue as Public Utility

New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) The Defence Public Sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) shall continue as a 'Public Utility Service' for another six months, it was officially announced today.

A spokesperson for the Labour Ministry said the decision in this regard -- taken in the ''public interest'' -- comes in effect from March 24 last.

HAL was earlier declared ''a public utility'' under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 for six months from September 24 last year.

As a result, the employees in this establishment are, among other things, required to give notice to their employer six weeks in advance of proceeding on strike so that conciliatory proceedings could be started.

During the conciliatory proceedings and seven days after their completion also, the employees cannot go on strike, the spokesperson pointed out.

UNI