Are Contractual Workers Allowed in Trade Unions? Understanding the Registration Process

Dear Sir,

I want to ask, are there any contractual workers registered in the trade union? If yes, then what is the registration process?

Thank you.

Contractual labor cannot negotiate with the principal employer until the principal employer agrees to negotiate with the Contract Employee Union.

I think the question is about forming and registering a trade union exclusively for contract labor. There is no legal bar against such an act. The contract labor employed in a particular industry or in a region can form a trade union for their rights and benefits. Let the questioner go through sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the State Regulations.

Trade Union Formation for Contract Workers

Contract workers can form their own trade union by following the process for registration of trade unions as mentioned in the Indian Trade Unions Act. The ITU Act does not distinguish between casual, permanent, badli, contract, or temporary workers.

Alternatively, they can join the existing trade union (if any, but recognized by the employer) of the permanent workers of the company. This will result in strengthening the unity of the workers.

The master-servant relationship does not apply here. However, an employer-employee relationship exists as the principal employer, contractor, and employees of the contractor.

If they join the same trade union that already exists in the company, the employer will have to negotiate with the union.

Warm regards,
Bharat Gera
HR Consultant

Sir, according to the Trade Union Act, there is no barrier to apply for registration of contract labor, casual labor, daily labor, or Muttha Jattu Hamali workers. Their contractor and principal employer should always be responsible for attending to their legal obligations.