Curious About HR: How Do They Handle Labor Unions and Workforce Changes?

Hi Guys,

I am a Software Engineer. I have completed my B.Tech from NIT Calicut and graduated in 2006. Since then, I have been working at Amdocs in Pune. It's a software company. I am becoming increasingly interested in the workings of HR, and as such, I would appreciate suggestions and ideas from all of you on how HR functions in a company. How do they address issues related to labor unions? How do they determine when to expand or reduce the workforce? Any valuable suggestions from you all would be greatly appreciated. :)

Thank you for your input!

Hi Sameer,

Thanks for your reply. Actually, I don't know much about labor unions. So if it is possible for you to tell me something basic, then it will be good for me. Like, what are all the factors when dealing with a labor union strike, etc.

Thank you!

Hi Jeril,

To start with, the labor unions are generally and should be registered under the Trade Unions Act. In Maharashtra, a union recognized by the employer under the MRTU and PULP Act is called a 'recognized union'. A recognized union has better bargaining power and has the upper hand over the unrecognized unions in the same establishment.

The main work these unions do is to raise general demands (e.g., raise in salary, allowances, facilities, etc.) and pressure the employer to grant the benefits. If the employer refuses to grant the benefits, the union can approach the Government Labour Officer under the Industrial Disputes Act, and efforts are made to settle the demands.

If no such settlement could be arrived at, the matter is referred to the Industrial Court where it is adjudicated. Either party can thereafter approach the High Court against the decision of the Industrial Court, then the Supreme Court.

S.M. Paranjape, Advocate

Hi Mr. Paranjape,

Thank you for your response. Your reply was very informative.

Does every labor strike turn violent? If so, what does the employer do in that case?

Hello again,

How are you? I wanted to know more about two Acts that are concerned with the IT/ITES sector. They are:

1) The Shops and Establishments Act
2) The Bombay Shops and Establishment Act, 1948

Can you tell me something about these two Acts?