Suggestions for Healthy growth of Trade Unions

[nbm]

Explain different ways for Healthy growth of Trade Unions

[luttu]

(1) One union one Industry—Multiplicity of unions in the same industry ultimately weakens the powers of collective bargaining and reduces the effectiveness of workers in securing their legitimate rights. f To end the multiplicity of unions, 'one union in one industry should be fully implemented and adheres to practice. It will promote the mutual understanding between employers and workers and ultimately reduces the conflicts and promotes labour relations better. For this purpose, political influences should be kept out of the field.
(2) Removal of inter-union rivalries. Inter-union rivalries harm the interests of the worker. It comes in the way of settlement of dispute, disunity among the ranks of workers etc. Which are mainly responsible for lack of strength and poor bargaining power? All must join hands to form a single central organisation on the basis of common goal and programmes covering methods and procedure. Unities of strength have two basic factors promoting interests of workers and maintaining real industrial peace.
(3) Working class leadership—Outside leadership is the main weakness of the Indian trade union movement. They are generally professional agitators and were often interested in using the workers as a 'pawn in their political game'. It is, therefore, essential to have their own leader from within the members themselves who know the real hardships of the art of how to tackle the problems of workers. Setting up of Asian Trade Union College at Calcutta is to be welcomed as it is meant to train the educated young men in trade unionism.
(4) Responsibility of workers—At present trade unions confine their attention to the workers' demands only. It is high time they inculcate in the workers a sense of discipline and responsibility to do a full day's work for a full fair day's wages. They should first make every worker understand their duties and responsibilities and then their rights and privileges.
(5) Framing own policy—The trade union movement must keep itself away from the conflicting ideologies of different parties and follow an independent policy, which is best suited to the interests of the workers. Disruptive political activities should be avoided but it does not mean that the trade union movement should completely be divorced from politics and labour should not take part in politics but it should be in their individual capacity. The political parties must not be allowed to utilise trade unions for their selfish political objectives.
(6) Varied trade union activities—Trade unions should enlarge their operations in the sphere of education, health, recreation, housing and other welfare activities. They should have contacts with their members in normal times as they contact them in the time of disputes. They must make their members educate in the sense of discipline and responsibilities by organising frequent meetings, discussions etc. They should not function only as strike committees.
(7) Strengthening of trade unions—Indian trade unions are weak in their strength and finance. The, following steps may be recommended to strengthen their position:
(i) Small trade unions must be amalgamated into one big trade union that can organise the labour welfare activities well. They should pour their resources in the interest of stability and strength.
(ii) Improvement in the finances of trade unions should be made from their internal resources. Membership fee may be enhanced and defaulters should not be allowed to continue their membership.
(iii) Attitude of employees needs change. They should realise that strong trade union is essential for the better development of industry.
(8) Responsible trade union leadership-Trade union leadership should be full responsible for the acts of the union. Leaders should acquire full understanding of the constitutional and legal rights available to unions. They should make use of such rights to secure and promote workers interests.
(9) Need for comprehensive legislation—The Trade Unions Act was passed as early as in 1926 which is in force since then without any major change. There should be a comprehensive legislation on the subject which should provide not only for registration and recognition of trade unions but also for protection and development of worker's interest.
Trade union movement has a bright future provided some of the suggestions mentioned above are followed. It is highly satisfied that Government is attaching great importance to the development of trade unionism on healthy lines.