An Assignment on

Measures for strengthening the trade unions

Submitted by: Sanjay Kuvadiya MBA (2nd Sem.) (2011-13) Roll no. 47 Sec. B

Submitted to: Prof. Fredy Zaveri

Meaning and Definition of Trade Union

The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926 section 2(b) defines a trade union s any combination of persons whether temporary or permanent formed primarily for the purpose of regulating the relation between workmen and employers, or between workmen and workmen, between employers and employers or for imposing restrictive conditions on the conduct of any trade or business and includes any federation of two or more trade unions. Here are other definitions given by different authors. According to Webb a trade union is a continuous association of wage earners for the purpose of maintaining or improving the conditions of their working force According to V. V. Giri Trade union is such organization which is created, voluntarily on the basis of collective strength to secure the interest of workers A trade union means an association of workers in one or more occupations. An association is carried on mainly for the purpose of protecting and advancing the members economic interest in connection with their daily work G. D. H. Cole.

The following are the steps that can be taken to make Trade Union stronger.
1. Strong Base: In order to develop a strong trade union, it is very necessary to widen the unionism in unorganized sector and small towns. Trade union should be formed by the workers of small scale sector, household and domestic sector. Number of membership should be increased. For this purpose severe membership campaign should be launched. 2. Financial Stability: To improve the financial condition of the trade union the minimum subscription should be raised. National Commission on Labor has suggested the check off system. Under this system each worker would individually authorize the employer to deduct membership fee from his wage or salary and the employer pay the collection to the union. This will reduce the chances of defaults in payments by members and therefore the financial condition of union will improve. 3. One Union in One Industry. To avoid multiple unions and inter union rivalry the principle of one union in one industry should be adopted. Such provision should be made in the Trade Union Act that if

more than one set of person claims to be the office bearers of the same union, the matter should be decided by labor court or central organization to which the union is affiliated. 4. Internal Relationship: Leaders of union should be developed from within the workers. This will help to eliminate party politics and outsiders. The outsiders should be allowed to be on executive position of union but the limit of outsider as an executive should not be exceeded 25 percent. Ex- employees should be considered as insiders. Special arrangement should be made for education and training of workers. Penalties should be imposed for victimization of union leaders. Unions should throw away the control of political parties and politicians. 5. Recognition of Unions: It should be made compulsory for employers to recognize the union which undertakes 100 or more workers. Unions which want recognition as a bargaining agent should have membership of at least 30 percent of workers in establishment. The recognized union should be statutorily given certain exclusive facilities and rights. The minority union should be given only the right to claim for workers in case of discharge or dismissal. 6. Away From Political Influence: Trade unions and workers should be kept away from the political influence. Though labors are free to join politics but it should be ensure that politician can not use them to serve their purposes. 7. Paid Officials: To manage the affaire of union, full time officials should be appointed. Such officials should be men of integrity, able to evaluate workers aspirations and able to negotiate with the employers. They should be paid enough. 8. Education and Training to Workers: Illiteracy and ignorance of workers prevent the development of trade unions. Education make worker to understand their own interest and to extend co operation. Training for organization of trade unions would also be given to them. 9. Constructive Aspect: Trade unions should spend their fund for constructive work. i.e., for the welfare of the workers. Trade unions should change their attitude towards employers. They should be work for the benefit of the industry.

10. Change in the Employers View: Usually employers oppose the trade unions. This attitude should be change. They should be co operative with workers. By this, with co operation of both parties objectives of industry can be fulfilled. 11. Welfare Measures: Trade unions should take welfare measures of members and should also render social responsibility. 12. Avoid Unnecessary Interference: Trade union should not interfere in management decisions without any need. Their interference will reduce the effectiveness of the organization. 13. Formulation of Labor Party: Trade union should establish labor party and should be affiliated it. It will give adequate strength to the union in the industry as well as in parliament.

Conclusion:
If trade unions are recognized on the bases of above suggestions, they will certainly prove successful and both parties will co operate. Workers will be developed socially, economically, politically and mentally. These all can summarize by a statement given by Planning Commission of India. Trade unions should be accepted as a necessary part of the economic and industrial organization and they should awaken and activated to fulfill their responsibilities.