Question

Identify and explain the measures which can be adopted to strengthen the trade unions in India.

Answer 1

1. Strong Base: In order to develop a strong trade union movement, it is essential to widen the unionism to the organised sector and small towns. Workers in the household, small-scale and domestic sectors should form trade unions. The membership of unions should also be increased. For this purpose, a rigorous membership campaign should be launched.
2. Financial Stability: To improve the financial condition of the unions, the minimum subscription should be raised from 25 paise to Re 1 per month. The National Commission on Labour suggested a check-off system under which each worker would individually authorise the employer to deduct membership fees from his wage/salary, and the employer pays the collections to the union. This will reduce the chances of default in payments by members and thereby improve the financial position of unions.
3. One Union in One Industry: The principle of one union in one industry should be adopted to avoid multiple unions and inter-union rivalry. A provision may be made in the Trade Unions Act that where more than one set of persons claim to be the office bearers of the same union, the matter should be decided by the central organisation to which the union is affiliated or by labour courts.
4. Internal Leadership: Leaders of union should be developed from within the rank and file of the workers. This will help to eliminate party politics and outsiders. There should be no ban on non-members holding executive positions in a union but the limit of outsiders in the executives of the unions should not exceed 25 per cent. Ex-employees should be treated as insiders. Arrangements should be made for the education and training of workers and penalties should be imposed for the victimisation of union leaders. A convention that no union office bearer will concurrently hold an office in a political party should be established and adopted. Unions should throw away the control of political parties and politicians.
5. Recognition of Unions: It should be made obligatory for employers to recognise the union in all undertakings employing 100 or more workers. A trade union seeking recognition as a bargaining agent should have a membership of at least 30 per cent of workers in the establishment. The minimum membership should be 25 per cent if recognition is sought for an industry in a local area. The representative character of a union may be decided through a secret ballot and/or examination of membership records. The recognised union should be statutorily given certain exclusive rights and facilities. The minority union should be given the right to represent workers only in cases of dismissal or discharge.
6. Paid Officials: Full-time paid officials should be appointed to manage the affairs of trade unions. These officials should be competent and sincere. They should be men of integrity, able to evaluate workers' aspirations and strong enough to negotiate with employers on an equal basis. They should be paid well.