1. As both these writ petitions involve a common issue, they are taken up together for consideration and disposed by this common judgment.

2. The Kerala State Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society [Hantex] is the petitioner in W.P.(C).No.2302/2016, whereas, the General Secretary, Handloom Weavers Pensioners Welfare Association, a Trade Union representing the retired workers of the Kerala State Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society is the petitioner in W.P.(C).No.5074/2016. Both these writ petitions impugn the award dated 25.6.2017 of the Industrial Tribunal, Kollam, in I.D.No.18/1999, that was passed pursuant to the directions of this Court in the judgment dated 24.3.2014 in W.P.(C).No.31992/2004. The brief facts which led to the passing of the award are as follows:

3. At the instance of the Trade Union that had raised an industrial dispute before the Conciliation Officer, claiming regular scales of pay in respect of workmen in the category of Tailors, Helpers, Designers and Part Time Sweepers, conciliation talks were initiated by the Labour Officer. On the conciliati