Can Employees Join Unions Outside Their Company? Exploring Rights Under the ID Act

Can Workers Join Unions Not Related to Their Company?

In accordance with the Industrial Disputes (ID) Act, workers have the right to join any union of their choice, regardless of whether or not it is affiliated with the company they work for. The ID Act ensures that employees are free to associate with any trade union they deem fit to represent their interests, irrespective of its relationship with their employer. This provision aims to protect workers' rights to collective bargaining and representation, allowing them to seek support and advocacy from unions that may not be directly linked to their workplace. Therefore, under the ID Act, employees have the flexibility to be part of unions that best serve their needs and concerns, even if those unions are not directly associated with their specific company.

He can join any union; there is no bar on joining the union.

Questions on Union Affiliation and Representation

1. Can an unregistered union affiliate with a registered national union?

2. If yes or no, can you suggest some court rulings in support of this?

3. Can the unregistered union represent itself before the Reconciliation Officer in the name of the major union?

4. Can unregistered union officers claim "Protected Employee" status?

Membership

Any workman who is employed in any industry originally established and agrees to follow the rules, regulations, and objectives of the Union can become a member after depositing the requisite subscription fee. His membership would stand canceled upon his retirement from the industry or upon his submitting the resignation.

Denial of New Members

Kindly share your viewpoint on the denial of new members to an employer-recognized union in line with Section 6 of the Trade Union Act 1926.