Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Pay back wages to former driver, MTC told

18/02/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT ,CHENNAI

The principal labour court, Chennai, has directed the Metropolitan Transport Corporation to pay back wages of about ₹2.14 lakh to a driver, whose services were terminated.

The court revised its earlier order directing the MTC to reinstate the driver after taking note of the fact that he caused two accidents.

C. Natarajan was working as a driver for more than 5 years, and was terminated by the management on May 28, 1994. He had earlier moved the labour court. It directed the MTC to reinstate the petitioner with continuity of service and all other attendant benefits, but without back wages in 2007. However, the MTC did not implement the award and Mr. Natarajan moved the labour court again for relief. In its response, the MTC said the driver had caused an accident in which a cyclist died on the spot. In his finding, the enquiry officer held that the charges were proved against the driver, it added. The services of the driver were terminated, considering public safety, the MTC added.

The first accident took place on June 19, 1991, and the second on June 6, 1993. The negligence of the driver was confirmed by the enquiry officer, it noted.

The court said that it took note of the fact that the services of the driver were terminated for causing two accidents. “Though an award has been passed in his favour for want of proof of negligence on his side, the facts are relevant for consideration of awarding bonus and other facilities, and therefore cannot be said to be automatic,” it noted. It also ruled that the driver was not entitled to any other benefits, and directed the MTC to pay the amount in 3 months, failing which it was liable to pay interest at the rate of 9% per annum.

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