M C D Vs. ITS WORKMEN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has challenged the awards dated 31st July, 2006 whereby the Industrial Tribunal directed the washing allowance to be disbursed to the workmen at the rate of Rs.60/- per month with effect from 20th July 1993. In W.P.(C) 4684/2016, W.P.(C) 3599/2017 and W.P.(C) 3601/2017, the petitioner has challenged the recovery certificates issued for implementation of the awards.

(2.) The C and D category employees of the petitioner raised an Industrial dispute claiming enhancement of their washing allowance from Rs.15/- per month to Rs.60/- per month on the ground that the C and D category employees of hospitals/medical institutions were being paid washing allowance of Rs.60/- per month w.e.f. 20th July, 1993.

(3.) The petitioner defended the claim on the ground that the working conditions of C and D category employees in the hospitals cannot be equated with the employees in the other departments. The petitioner follows Central Government orders with respect to the allowances payable to its employees. On 22nd June, 2000, the petitioner enhanced the washing allowance on C & D category employees working in the hospitals from Rs.15/- per month to Rs.60/- per month w.e.f. 20th July, 1993. With respect to the employees other than the hospital employees, washing allowance of Rs.15/- per month was increased to Rs.30/- per month w.e.f. 01st August, 1997 vide circular dated 14th September, 2001.