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WORLD  Bhaktivedanta Hospital Update BY PARIJATA DEVI DASI MUMBAI, INDIA, Oct 16 (VNN) — 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@pamho.net Contact VNN about this story  Send this story to a friend
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