Decline in Trade Unionism in India: A Few Harsh Realities and Truths
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53739/samvad/2023/v27/172842Keywords:
Globalisation of Capital, Industrial Relations, Industrial Peace, Labour Class, Trade Unionism, Welfare MeasuresAbstract
The trade union activities were necessitated to fight exploitation and oppression of the working class by business enterprises. However, over the years, the very mechanism that was created to fight for the rights of workers began to flounder in its goals. Rampant politicisation of trade unions led to inter-union rivalries and the credibility of union leaders began to suffer. The impact of these developments was much more pronounced in India. Though the main objective of the trade union movement was to protect the rights of workers and ensure harmonious relations between businesses and labourers, the movement degenerated into a culture where the demands of unions seemed to be impossible to fulfil. Violence in production facilities further led to the deterioration of relations between trade unions and business enterprises. This research effort intends to investigate the primary causes of the decline of trade unionism in India and explore the adverse consequences of such a development. Finally, a few recommendations are made to arrest the decline in the trade union movement so that welfare measures can be undertaken to improve the labour class in India.Downloads
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