Career Shift to Industrial Relations: What Steps and Skills Do I Need?

Career Transition to Industrial Relations

I am working as an HR executive in the manufacturing industry. I want to pursue a career in Industrial Relations (IR). What should I do? What skills are required?

Thank you.

Regards

Key Points for Transitioning to Industrial Relations

The following points should be noted:

- Study the recent amendments to the labor legislation.
- Subscribe to the labor law journals.
- Try to study the wage negotiation practices in other industries.
- It is also important to have knowledge of representation before different labor forums, procedures of conciliation, and reference to adjudication.
- It is further necessary to understand the process of handling indiscipline, drafting various notices, warnings, show cause letters, and charge sheets, as well as participating in domestic inquiries.
- Discuss with someone who has experience in dealing with situations related to strikes, go-slows, tool downs, gheraos, and violent strikes.
- Also, try to interact with those who have handled multiple unions. These experiences will provide you with adequate knowledge of Industrial Relations.

Kind regards,
Dayanand L Guddin

It is all related to labor law. Can you tell me which journal is best for IR and labor law issues?

Best Regards,
Dinesh

LLR or CLR would be a good option for you. Also, understand the crux of the major Acts and State Rules. Try to read settled cases under various Acts; this will help you interpret the laws effectively.

All the best.

Regards,
Rahul

In order to become an IR manager or IR professional, you are supposed to face the public at large. You need to upgrade your IR, LL, and HRM knowledge thoroughly. Third, you have to work in an IR profile. Keep updating regarding statutory compliances. Lastly, it is important to have the will to do it.

Regards,
ND

In addition to the information given by our members, I would like to add some more. Normally, IR requires a lot of patience and a high tolerance level to handle any situation. One must be well aware of the statutory compliances and other provisions available in the laws enacted by the state and central governments.

It is crucial to have the ability to convince others in case of any disputes arising from any issue. Those who can take care of the welfare of the workers and employees of the organization will have the complete support of the workers/employees.

Having a good understanding of the Factories Act, Industrial Dispute Act, Trade Union Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Gratuity Act, Bonus Act, Contract Labour Act, etc., is essential. This knowledge enables one to easily resolve any subject-related issues that may arise.

Regards

HR managers should possess the necessary knowledge to understand public relations and assess potential grievances effectively, rather than solely relying on theoretical knowledge. In this context, the proverb "Preventive is better than cure" is highly applicable.