Section 22 of IDA : Section 22: Prohibition Of Strikes And Lock-Outs

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where the employees of a water supply company, which is considered a public utility service, are dissatisfied with their working conditions and pay. They decide to go on strike to demand better terms. According to Section 22 of The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947:

1. The employees must first give a notice to the employer six weeks before the intended date of the strike.
2. They cannot go on strike within fourteen days of giving such notice.
3. They must not start the strike before the date specified in the notice.
4. If there are any ongoing conciliation proceedings, they cannot strike until those proceedings have concluded and an additional seven days have passed.

If these conditions are not met, the strike would be considered illegal. Similarly, the employer cannot lock out the employees without following the corresponding conditions for giving notice and respecting the timing of conciliation proceedings.