Question

Discuss the causes of poor industrial relations in India.

Answer 1

1. Economic Causes: Poor wages and poor working conditions are the main reasons for unhealthy relations between management and labour. Unauthorised deductions from wages, a lack of fringe benefits, the absence of promotional opportunities, dissatisfaction with job evaluation and performance appraisal methods, and faulty incentive schemes are other economic causes. When employers deny equitable and fair remuneration and good working and living conditions to the working class, trade unions agitate, and industrial peace is disturbed. Inadequate infrastructural facilities, worn-out plant and machinery, poor layout, unsatisfactory maintenance and other physical and technical causes also contribute to industrial conflict.
2. Organisational Causes: Faulty communication systems, dilution of supervision and command, non-recognition of trade unions, unfair practices, violations of collective agreements and standing orders and labour laws are the organisational causes of poor relations in industry.
3. Social Causes: The uninteresting nature of work is the main social cause. factory system and specialisation have made workers subordinate to the machine. Workers have lost a sense of pride and satisfaction in the job. Tensions and conflicts in society, the breakup of the joint family system, and growing intolerance have also led to poor industrial relations. Dissatisfaction with work and personal life culminates in industrial conflicts.
4. Psychological Causes: Lack of job security, poor organisational culture, non-recognition of merit and performance, authoritative administration and poor interpersonal relations are the psychological reasons for unsatisfactory employer-employee relations.
5. Political Causes: The political nature of trade unions, multiple unions and inter-union rivalry weaken the trade union movement. In the absence of strong and responsible trade unions, collective bargaining becomes ineffective. The union's status is reduced to that of a mere strike committee. The outsiders who become union leaders by making wild promises to workers make excessive demands on employers. When employers do not accept their demands, conflicts arise spoiling the industrial relations climate in the country.