Question

Suggest measures for improving industrial relations in our country.

Explain five methods to improve industrial relations.

Answer 1

1. Sound Personnel Policies: Policies and procedures concerning the compensation, transfer, promotion, etc., of employees should be fair and transparent. All policies and rules relating to industrial relations should be clear to everybody in the enterprise and to the union leaders. Top management must support them and set an example for other managers. Practices and procedures should be developed to put personnel policies into practice. Sound policies and rules are of little help unless they are executed objectively and equitably.
2. Constructive Attitudes: Both management and trade unions should adopt positive attitudes towards each other. Management must recognise unions as the spokesmen of workers' grievances and as custodians of their interests. The employer should accept workers as equal partners in a joint endeavour. Unions and workers, on their part, must recognise and accept the rights of employers.
3. Collective Bargaining: Employers' organisations, as well as trade unions, should be able and willing to deal with mutual problems freely and responsibly. Both should accept collective bargaining as the cornerstone of good industrial relations. A genuine desire on the part of employers to bargain with employees on the basis of equality is necessary. Governmental agencies should assist the two sides in the public interest. Problem-centred negotiations rather than a legalistic approach are desired. Widespread union-management consultations and information sharing are helpful.
4. Participative Management: Participation of workers in the formulation and implementation of personnel policies, practices, rules, etc. can help to improve relations between the employer and employees.
5. Responsible Unions: When trade unions act in a responsible manner and with the right motives, unnecessary disputes do not arise. Strong and responsible unions can ensure that workers honour the agreement with their employer.
6. Employee Welfare: Employers should recognise the need for the welfare of workers. They must ensure reasonable wages, satisfactory working conditions, opportunities for training and development, and other necessary facilities for labour. A genuine concern for the welfare and betterment of the working class is necessary.
7. Grievance Procedure: A well-established and properly administered system for the timely and satisfactory redressal of employees' grievances can be very helpful in improving industrial relations. It provides an outlet for the tensions and frustrations of workers. Similarly, a suggestion scheme will help satisfy the creative urge of workers. A code of discipline, if properly adhered to by both parties, will help to avoid unilateral and violent actions on either side.