CHENNAI: A writ plea from Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), affiliated to the DMK, to declare it as the sole bargaining union in various transport corporations, was rejected by the Madras High Court. Justice K Chandru on September 19 was dismissing a writ petition from the LPF, represented by its general secretary Shanmugam, praying for a direction to the State and its transport corporations not to entertain any trade union except the LPF for talks with regard to redress grievances.The only way for removing such vagaries and was to make institutional reforms in the area of industrial relations, instead of enjoying such privileges while in power and lamenting later when such political power was lost, the judge observed. The judge added that the claim of the petitioner union, just because it got elected in a secret ballot could not be countenanced by this court without there being a law in the state. Ultimately it was for the State legislature to make a law on the subject relating to trade union recognition. Further, the status of the petitioner union itself as a leading union had become a doubtful because of its dwindling membership. Except for an interim order granted earlier in a writ petition and the issuance of a GO according recognition for all purposes, it could not assert its right to the detriment of other unions. In any event, the sweeping prayer could not be granted in the absence of any legal or enforceable right on the part of the petitioner union, the judge added, and dismissed the petition.
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