'Indian' employees strike illegal: Praful Patel

New Delhi, June 14: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel declared the strike called by the Indian Airlines Employees Union illegal and unwarranted.

The Minister warned that if the strike was not called off the financial package that has been offered to the employees might be withdrawn.

The Minister, however, assured the travelling public that their convenience would be given the highest priority.

''All steps were being taken to bring back normalcy as soon as possible,'' Mr Patel said.

The talks between the management, the union representatives and the Chief Labour Commissioner were at an advanced stage.

Despite the fact that arrears are not payable in loss making public sector undertakings, the ministry as well as the management of Indian Airlines had agreed to pay a package of Rs 267 crore as wage arrears and an agreement on this issue with the Union and with the employees had been finalised.

Also career progression to bring the employees broadly at par to what they had demanded had been agreed on. However, just before the final agreement could be reached the employees have gone on a strike without giving any notice to the Management.

Earlier, the Chief Labour Commissioner declared the strike by the Indian Airlines employees union ACEU, illegal and liable for prosecution under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act 1947.

UNI