DEPOT MANAGER APSRTC Vs. LABOUR COURT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this batch of writ petitions, the question that arises for consideration is as to whether the Conductors and Drivers appointed by the A.P.S.R.T.C. subsequent to 01.01.1980 are entitled to be paid incentive increment for their holding Graduate qualification. A settlement was arrived at between the Corporation itself and its Union on 15.07.1972, marked as Ex.M.1, providing for three increments of Rs. 10/- each for the Drivers and Conductors, who possess the qualification of Under Graduate Degree. However, the Corporation denied the benefit to the Conductors, who are appointed subsequent to 01.01.1980.

(2.) The 2nd respondent in each of these writ petitions filed petitions under section 33(C)(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act (for short 'the Act') before the Labour Court, Guntur, claiming the benefit of increments. According to them, the agreement that was entered into on 15.07.1972 was reiterated in the subsequent years also and there was no basis for the petitioner herein in denying the benefit.

(3.) The petitioner filed counters separately, opposing the petitions. According to it, pay scales were revised with effect from 01.01.1980 and the Circulars issued on 24.04.1982 and 31.05.1982 have virtually done away with the concept of incentive increments for candidates holding degree qualification. The Labour Court allowed the petitions, through common award dated 12.10.1999. Hence, these writ petitions.