Union Elections: What Should Management Do When the Union Period Ends?

What is the management's role in conducting a union election if the recognized union period has expired?

Management's Role in Union Elections

Management, as such, has no legal role to play. Many organizations choose to stay away. However, I have been organizing unions to conduct elections within the premises without hindrance to production. This endeavor required a budget of close to one lakh in the 1990s, but it helped build trust. Initially, the counting was performed by management staff. However, if there are multiple unions, this task becomes unfeasible.

You should evaluate your company's requirements and assess the industrial relations (IR) situation. If you feel confident in managing the situation, you can proceed with conducting the elections internally without disrupting production. Otherwise, it may be best to let the parties involved handle it themselves.

If it is an election for the posts of office bearers of unions, the management has no role. Instead, if the election is to determine the unions to be recognized by the management based on a settlement, award, or law, then it is the responsibility of the management.

Regards,
[Name Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Sir, please help me. In our company, there are 338 members in the trade union. The office bearers' term is over. 190 members are opposing the election for office bearers and have signed a petition against holding the election. What are the legal proceedings to conduct the election?