HC directs Labour Commissioner, Chd to decide on the validity of Tribune Trust’s notice of permanent cut in Employees’ salaries (Read Order)

In response to a writ petition preferred by Employees Union against decision of permanent cut in their salaries/ wages by Tribune Trust, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of UT, Chandigarh (who is also Labour Commissioner of Labour Department) to pass orders in accordance with law. The Tribune Trust is also direct to furnish its response before the Commissioner.   

Factual Background

The Tribune Trust, by way of two notices/ orders decided to permanently cut wages/ salaries of its employees due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This decision was met with severe criticism and anguish from the Employee Union, who (according to the petitioner’s claim) made multiple representations/e-mails/complaints before several multiple-relevant forms to get their grievance addressed, but the same was not considered. Hence, the Employees Union preferred the present Writ in the nature of Certiorari, seeking issuance of Order by the High Court to quash the above mentioned notices/ orders.

Case of the Petitioner

The case of the Petitioner-Employee Union was that no action was taken on the multiple representation and complaints made before Tribune Trust as well as Labour Department, Chandigarh against the action of reduction of salary, by invoking provisions of Industrial Disputes Act and; Working Journalist and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955. It was further submitted that representations were also made before Finance Secretary, Chandigarh as well as Union of India but that too did not result in any action.

Decision of the Court

The Court disposed of the petition by directing the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh (who is also the Labour Commissioner of Department of Labour, Chandigarh) to “objectively consider” the case. The Commissioner was also directed to consider “averments made in the writ as representations” and to decide the matter “in accordance with law.” In the meanwhile, the Tribune Trust was directed to furnish a response to the petitioner’s complaints/ emails, in order to help the Labour Department to reach to a judicious decision.  

Case Details

Before: Punjab and Haryana High Court  

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Monga

Case Title: The Tribune Trust Employees Union, Chandigarh v. Union Territory, Chandigarh and others

Case No.: CWP No.7374 -2020 (O&M)

Decided On: 28.05.2020

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