The Assam government has banned strikes by employees in the Oil and Gas sector in the state under the Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act (ESMA).
The state government in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the ESMA, 1980, on Thursday prohibited strikes in the state by all those involved in the services of oil fields, gas sector or refinery, said an official statement.
The government, through a notification, prohibited strike by officers, workmen, contract labourers, tanker drivers and ‘khalasis’ (helpers) involved in the services of oil fields, gas sector or refinery of any establishment or undertaking dealing with the production, supply or distribution of petroleum and petroleum products, including natural gas.
The order will remain in force for a period of six months from the date of issue of this notification until further orders, the statement added.
“This has been done in the public interest and any service in any Oil Field or Refinery of any establishment or undertaking dealing with the production, supply or distribution of Petroleum and Petroleum Products including Natural Gas will fall under the purview of the said order,” it added.