Section 24 of IDA : Section 24: Illegal Strikes And Lock-Outs

Explanation using Example

Imagine a factory where the workers decide to go on strike due to a wage dispute. They notify the employer of their intent to strike within the next week. However, before they can commence the strike, their dispute is referred to a Labour Court by the government under section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Despite this, the workers decide to proceed with their strike.

In this scenario, the strike would be considered illegal according to Section 24(1)(ii) of the Industrial Disputes Act, because it continued in contravention of an order made under sub-section (3) of section 10. If the workers had begun their strike before the dispute was referred to the Labour Court and without contravening any other provision of the Act, the continuation of the strike would not be deemed illegal per Section 24(2).

If the employer, in response to the illegal strike, decides to lock out the workers, this lock-out would not be deemed illegal according to Section 24(3), as it was declared in consequence of an illegal strike.