Critique Of The Interplay Between The Trade Unions Act, 1926 And The Labour Codes

Vidushi Singhania, Symbiosis Law School, Pune

Introduction To Contemporary Labour Laws

Parliament and state legislatures in India each have authority over labour-related concerns thanks to the complex network of labour laws that is firmly rooted in the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule.1 The complex web of over a hundred federal and forty state statutes governs this authority’s wide-ranging jurisdiction over topics such as wage and social security policies, workplace safety, and dispute settlement.

Salient Features of the Trade Unions Act, 1926

Definition and Registration: The Trade Unions Act provides a clear definition of a trade union as an organisation that is always evolving and whose main goal is to govern relations between employees, employers, or other employees.

A thorough memorandum outlining the trade union’s name, objectives, regulations, and the details of its office-bearers is required for mandatory registration, which is a prerequisite for legal recognition.

Minimum Membership Requirement: An intentional provision was made to encourage grassroots engagement by setting the minimum membership criterion at seven members.4