AIR FRANCE Vs. INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order will dispose of C.W. Pns. 314 of 1974 and 750 of 1974. The first is on behalf of the Management of Air France whereas the latter is on behalf of the workman Khushal Singh.

(2.) The Award arose out of a reference made by the Lieutnant Governor, Delhi, by an order dt. 26.6.73, The terms of reference were ;

(3.) The case of the workman before the Industrial Tribunal was that he was permanent employee of the company. On 14.9.72 Shri Calude Pineau, General Manager of the company called him and seven others who were employed as sweepers and peons. Each one of them was called one by one. It was further alleged that when he was called inside he was asked to sign a letter of resignation which was lying typed there and a receipt showing the payment of about Rs. 4,000.00. as ex-gratia payment in full and final settlement of his claims against the company. He refused to sign that letter and to receive the payment. He further alleged that no letter of retrenchment was issued to him on that day nor was any compensation offered or paid. It was further stated that his other colleagues recieved the ex-gratia payments varying form Rs, 3.000.00 to Rs. 8,000.00 and were issued certificates of discharge. It was further alleged that when he reported for duty on 15.9.72, he received a copy of the letter dt. 14.9.72 intimating him that his services had been retrenched w.e.f. the close of the business on the 14.9.72 on account of the reorganisation and he was asked to settle his accounts on 15.9.72. He further alleged that he never received any payments, and this order of retrenchment was invalid, illegal and unjustified.