Navigating Labor Unions: Can We Refuse Recognition and What Are the Implications?

Hi all,

My workers have affiliated themselves with a labor union. I have a few questions:

1) Can we refuse to recognize the union?
2) What are the implications of a union?

Information: We have 30 workers, not all of whom are registered with the said union. The union in question has been affiliated with INTUC since the 1990s.

Please advise on the path forward. Anyone who can provide guidance, it would be appreciated.

Regards,
Shilpa

Except in Maharashtra, there is no act that specifies the recognition of a trade union. However, a trade union is recognized automatically when called for negotiations, etc. Once the workers have formed a union and that information has been communicated to you, their responsibility ends. It is now your turn to reply to the communication. You cannot send a letter stating that the union is not recognized, as doing so would not be beneficial. Therefore, it is best to remain silent.

I do not believe that a trade union will be a headache for the organization. It is beneficial for healthy industrial relations as long as it is not a militant union. My understanding is that employees form a union because they feel ignored by the management. Only discontentment leads to the idea of uniting to strengthen their bargaining power. Therefore, I would only blame the management and not the employees if they choose to form a union. If you had the patience to listen to their grievances and resolve their issues, they might not have resorted to a collective bargaining mechanism. Nevertheless, you can still play your role by being approachable, which would reduce the significance of the union.

Regards,

Madhu.T.K