JUDGMENT :

Deshpande, J.

1. Workmen of the respondent No. 2 concern-hereinafter referred to as the "employer" are represented by the petitioner No. 1 - Union (Trade Union) and also by the respondent No. 3 - Union (another Trade Union). Till 1st of November, 1977 a settlement dated 10-9-1974 reached between the respondent No. 3 - union and the employer was in operation. Respondent No. 3 terminated the said settlement by a notice dated 1st November, 1977, while the petitioner terminated the same by a notice dated 31st December, 1977. Respondent No. 3 served a fresh charter of demands on the employer on 2nd February, 1978 while the petitioner No. 1 served their charter of demands on 2nd January, 1978.

2. The respondent No. 1 is the conciliation officer duly appointed under S. 4 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 - hereinafter referred to as the "Act". On being apprised of the disputes between the employer and the employees of this concern, a meeting between the petitioner No. 1 and respondent No. 1 was held on 7th March, 1978. There was then another meeting between them on 14th March, 1968 at which respondents 2 and 3 also were present. Justification statements in respect of their dema