Cabinet gives green signal to amendment of Trade Unions Act

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an amendment to the Trade Unions Act to make provisions on recognition of unions. The government said the approval will facilitate recognition of trade unions at central and state levels, ensure true representation of workers in the tripartite bodies, check the arbitrary nomination of workers/ representatives by the government and reduce litigations and industrial unrest. The proposed Bill will ensure that the nomination of workers/ representatives in tripartite bodies by the government will become more transparent.

Trade Unions so recognized would be accountable in maintaining industrial harmony. Recognition of trade unions at the central/state level would reduce duplication of such exercise by different departments. Recognised trade unions may be assigned specific roles at the central or state level. The Trade Unions Act, 1926 deals with the registration of trade unions, their rights, liabilities and responsibilities. It gives legal and corporate status to the registered trade unions.

(With inputs from agencies.)