How Can We Address Low Productivity Among Long-Term Workers in a Unionized Environment?

Dear All, I am currently working as an MT-HR in a manufacturing setup. Lately, we have been receiving increasing complaints from Line Supervisors regarding the low productivity of PWs, who are compensated handsomely. All of them have been working for a couple of decades with the organization and are members of the existing trade union. Could you please share your thoughts on reforming them, and also is there any procedure that needs to be followed to transfer laid-back PWs to other trades within the organization?

**Location**: Vadodara, India

Country-India, City-India-Vadodara, trade union, permanent workers, low productivity, contract workers

To address the issue of low productivity among long-standing permanent workers (PWs) in your manufacturing setup, especially those who are members of the trade union, it is essential to consider a structured approach to potentially transfer them to other trades within the organization. Here is a practical guide to help you navigate this situation effectively:

Assess the Situation
- Begin by conducting a thorough performance evaluation of the laid-back PWs to identify specific areas of underperformance and the root causes contributing to their low productivity.
- Engage in open and honest discussions with the PWs to understand any challenges they may be facing and explore potential solutions collaboratively.

Review Internal Policies and Labor Laws
- Before initiating any transfer process, review the organization's internal policies related to employee transfers, job rotations, and trade union agreements.
- Ensure compliance with relevant labor laws in India, particularly those governing employee transfers and trade union rights.

Develop a Transfer Plan
- Create a detailed transfer plan outlining the steps involved in transitioning the laid-back PWs to other trades within the organization.
- Clearly define the new roles or positions they will be transferred to, ensuring alignment with their skills and capabilities.

Consult with Stakeholders
- Engage with line supervisors, department heads, and relevant stakeholders to gain their input and support for the transfer process.
- Communicate transparently with the trade union representatives to address any concerns and seek their cooperation in facilitating the transfers.

Implement the Transfer Process
- Initiate the transfer process by formally communicating the decision to the affected PWs, outlining the reasons for the transfer and the expected outcomes.
- Provide necessary training and support to help the PWs transition smoothly into their new roles, ensuring they have the required skills and resources.

Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback
- Regularly monitor the performance of the transferred PWs in their new roles to track improvements in productivity.
- Offer constructive feedback and coaching to help them adapt to the changes and enhance their performance over time.

By following these steps and maintaining open communication throughout the process, you can effectively address the productivity challenges posed by laid-back PWs while respecting their tenure and trade union membership within the organization.