How Tata Motors' Internal Union Achieves Peace and Harmony: A Real-World Example from 2011

A Model of Ideal Internal Union for Peace & Harmony:

The 10,500 members of the internal union of the workmen employed in the Pimpri – Chinchwad – Chikhli Plants of Tata Motors Ltd. at Pune elected their 47 representatives on 9th March, 2011, for a three-year period by secret ballot. Mr. Vishnu Newale, Mr. Subhash Hulawale, and Mr. Baban Chavan, all shop-floor workmen, have been elected respectively as President, Working President, and Secretary of the Union. Established in 1972, the internal union is being run purely by the leadership elected from within the ranks of workers every three years. Except for a period from 1998-1990 when external elements had penetrated the union—viz. Rajan Nair leadership—both the management and union have maintained cordial relations consistently and entered into amicable settlements for wage revision every three years. It is heartening that no collective dispute is pending litigation in any court of law, and all grievances—individual or collective—are being resolved by amicable negotiations between Union representatives and the shop floor management. This institution of workmen is an ideal example of peace and harmony in large plants like that of Tata Motors.

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Regards,
Niyaj Ahmed
HR
[Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

This is indeed remarkable as it is very difficult to maintain Industrial Relations (IR), especially for wage revision in the private sector where a well-defined policy for wage revision does not exist.

Thanks,
Kumar Sanjeev

Thank you for sharing. Due to increased awareness among the workers and positive employee relations from the management, this progress has been made as both parties strive to succeed. Previously, unions were often influenced by political parties seeking to benefit themselves. However, the situation is gradually evolving.

Regards,
Shaikh Abedeen