Bhaktivedanta Hospital Update

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BHAKTIVEDANTA HOSPITAL UPDATE

 

After the mob attack on Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai on

Wednesday, 17th September 2003, by the unruly elements of the Bharatiya

Kamgar Sena (BKS) the Trade Union Wing of Shiv Sena, the Board of Trustees

of the Bhaktivedanta Hospital had declared a Lockout which came into effect

from Saturday, 4th October 2003. The BKS had challenged the decision of

Lockout by the Management of Bhaktivedanta Hospital in the Industrial Court.

On Friday 3rd October 2003, the Industrial Court rejected their application

and upheld the right of the Management to declare a Lockout.

 

About 26 days have passed since the mob attack and the Management and

Trustees of the Hospital are regularly meeting to assess the situation. The

misled employees who have joined hands with BKS are certainly feeling the

heat now since they never expected that the Management was serious about

Lockout, and many of them have expressed regret for having taken the law in

their hands and disturbed the peace and tranquility in the Hospital. We are

keeping all options open. The BKS certainly does not enjoy a majority (on

last count 214 members out of 292 have refused to have anything to do with

the BKS). If the Trustees are reasonably assured that the BKS will withdraw

(in view of the fact that a legitimate, recognised Employees' Welfare

Association exists in the Hospital), and the erring employees are subject

to disciplinary action, they would be willing to start the Hospital. It is

difficult to say right now when the Lockout will be lifted, but we are

hopeful that this will happen soon and the Hospital will resume its normal

activities.

 

Bhaktivedanta Hospital Board of Trustees and staff members are grateful for

the support and encouragement from devotees and well-wishers worldwide. The

Hospital shall keep the ISKCON world updated about further development.

 

Issued on behalf of Bhaktivedanta Hospital by:

Parijata devi dasi : ISKCON Communications, Mumbai

Email: Parijata.RNS (AT) pamho (DOT) net

 

End.