West Bengal government makes it mandatory for employees to attend office during March 28, 29 trade union strike

West Bengal government reacted sharply to the nationwide strike on March 28 and 29 called by central trade unions, the West Bengal government has issued a memorandum stating that all of its offices including those provided with Grants-in-Aid by the State Government will remain open. And unauthorised absence by employees may invite a show-cause, and they may have to lose salary for the day (or days), concerned.

The memorandum issued on Saturday states, “In view of call given by different trade unions and others for a 48 hours nationwide strike / bandh on 28th and 29th March, 2022, it has been decided that all State Government offices including those provided with Grants-in-Aid by the State Government shall remain open and all the employees shall report for duty on those days.”

The memorandum also stated that no casual leave or any other leave will not be granted to any employee.

“It has been decided that no Casual Leave or any other leave for absence either in the 1st half or in the 2nd half or for the whole day shall be granted to any employee on the above-mentioned dates,” the memorandum states.

The statement said, “It is further notified that absence of employees on those days will be treated as ‘dies-non’ and no salary will be admissible unless such absence is covered by any of the following grounds:

1. a) Hospitalization of the employees;
2. b) Bereavement in the family;
3. c) Severe illness and absence continuing prior to 25th March, 2022;
4. d) Employees who had been on Child Care Leave, Maternity Leave, Medical Leave and Earned Leave sanctioned prior to 25th March, 2022.”

The memorandum says that employees will be issued show-cause for an explanation for the unauthorised absence on March 28 and 29 or on any of the two dates. And if the reply is satisfactory, leave due and admissible may be granted.

If the absence is without exceptions the memorandum states, “Where the absence is not covered by any of the above-mentioned reasons and the leave has not been approved, the same will be treated as ‘dies-non’ and no salary will be admissible for the above mentioned day(s).”

And if someone fails to respond to the show-cause notice they will be liable to disciplinary action.