Labor Unions: Is It Possible for an Employee to Join Two Unions at the Same Company?

Dear senior, please explain to me: Can one employee be a member of two labor unions in any one company?

No, one employee cannot be a member of two unions of the same establishment.

Any restrictions under the Trade Union Act, sir.

No, not necessarily. In the Trade Union Act, there is no explicit requirement stating that a member of a trade union cannot be a member of another trade union within the same organization. However, it is implied that this could lead to a conflict of interest during negotiation and collective bargaining. At the same time, an individual can be a member of a trade union of another establishment, as outside members are permitted according to the Act.

No workman can have simultaneous membership in more than one union in the same establishment. The standing orders of the establishment and the by-laws of the trade union restrict dual membership.

Hello, Ideally, one should not be a member of two trade unions. However, if the check-off system has not been introduced in an organization, it is very much possible and seen in a few industries during my service period that the number of unionized workers is more than the total manpower of that particular unit/establishment. This can only be possible with the fact that a number of employees are members of more than one union.

Should you like to have more advice, you can communicate with me through email at [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons].

Best wishes,
Retired Manager (HR)
Coal India Ltd