NEW DELHI: The labour ministry in an aim to give trade unions greater recognition at the central and state level, has proposed amendments in the Trade Unions Act (1926).
"It has been represented by trade unions that the other central government ministries and state government do not give due weightage to these central trade unions (CTUOs) in the absence of any statutory backing of this verification and recognition procedure," the ministry said in its proposal.
The ministry has been getting requests from various stakeholders asking them to provide statutory backing for trade unions either in the Act or by amendments in the rules of recognition of the Central Trade Unions. As per current rules, the trade unions are verified by the central chief labour commissioner. Upon his/her recommendation, recognition to these unions is provided by the ministry.
Presently, there are 13 central trade unions in the country. They are allowed to have representations in national and international conferences or committees. The verification of the committees is done on the basis of executive guidelines and a code of discipline that is prescribed in a particular establishment or sector.
"An amendment to the Trade Unions Act, 1926 to incorporate the provision of recognition of trade unions/federation of trade unions at central and state level is necessary. Accordingly, it is proposed to amend the Trade Unions Act, 1926 to incorporate new Sections 28A and sub-section (2A) after Section 29 (2) of the Act," the ministry proposal said.
The ministry has invited comments from all stakeholders by August 10 to finalise the changes in the Act. Trade unions are happy about the development. "This is a very positive move by the government. I hope the amendments are ratified by Parliament soon and more unions come up. This will help workers get their rights and will also provide for more connectivity between the workers and the ministry," a senior Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) member said.