Navigating Worker Welfare: Is a Works Committee Needed in a Large PSU?

Sir, I am in doubt whether to ask such a question or not. I am working in a large PSU company with 21,000 employees. In my company, there are numerous committees existing for the welfare of the workers. Well-organized Trade Unions operate under the TU Act. Various committees such as the Joint Consultative Committee, bipartite and tripartite safety committees, welfare committee, and house allotment committee are functioning. My question is whether a Works Committee under Section 3 of the ID Act 1947 is required to be formed. Kindly advise.

As per the law, a Works Committee is also required. However, a Joint Consultative Committee itself is a Works Committee where disputes can be discussed and settled without the intervention of other higher authorities under the ID Act.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

I suppose that the Works Committee, in the form of a Consultative Forum, cannot address an industrial dispute raised by a workman unless the dispute has been referred to the Grievance Settlement Machinery of the organization, and the outcome is unsatisfactory for the concerned workman. Otherwise, please advise whether an individual dispute of common interest, if not resolved by the Grievance Settlement Machinery, could be directly referred by the workman to Conciliation Officers under the Industrial Disputes Act of the appropriate government.

Mandatory Constitution of Works Committee Under the Industrial Disputes Act

The formation of a Works Committee is a legal requirement under the Industrial Disputes Act. This committee plays a crucial role in resolving disputes and fostering better communication between the management and workers. It serves as a platform for addressing grievances and promoting a harmonious work environment. Failure to establish a Works Committee can lead to non-compliance with the law and may result in legal repercussions. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to adhere to this statutory provision to maintain industrial peace and productivity.

Does the Works Committee is mandatory if there is no trade union? Because we are creating unionism in the organization.

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I noticed a couple of issues in the original text:

1. "Does Works Committee is mandatory" should be corrected to "Is the Works Committee mandatory."
2. "orgn" should be corrected to "organization."
3. The question mark should be placed at the end of the sentence within the quotation marks.
4. The sentence structure can be improved for better clarity.

Here is the revised text with the corrections:

Is the Works Committee mandatory if there is no trade union? We are creating unionism in the organization.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further assistance.

I would say that this is a requirement of law. You are expected to have committees like this even if you do not have any grievance or dispute. In my opinion, this will improve the relationship between the employer/managers and the workers. Therefore, do not think that this will lead them to form a union.

Madhu.T.K

A private limited company manufacturing medical equipment, with more than 100 employees, is required to constitute a "Workmen Committee." Do they fall under the Industrial Dispute Act? The plain reading of Sec 2(f) says any trade, manufacture, or profession, which means it need not be restricted to public sectors. Please enlighten....

Public sector? The provision applies to all establishments wherein 100 or more employees are employed. There is no mention that it applies only to the public sector, nor is there any restriction regarding its constitution as private limited, public limited, or partnership.

I would say what the law says. It is not a requirement until the government, "by special or general order," requires the employer to constitute the committee.

Until somebody produces that special or general order, it is not a mandatory requirement.