Trade unions as pressure group in Indian politics

Historical Evolution and Growth

The origins of trade unionism in India can be traced back to the late 19th century with the emergence of labour associations. However, the real growth began during the British colonial period, particularly during the World Wars, fueled by rising prices and poor working conditions. The Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926, provided a legal framework for registration and regulation. Post-independence, the Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61) emphasized the importance of industrial relations and worker welfare, further bolstering the trade union movement.

Trade Unions as Pressure Groups: Methods and Influence

Trade unions employ various methods to exert pressure on the government and employers:

• Collective Bargaining: Negotiating wages, benefits, and working conditions with employers.
• Strikes and Lockouts: Disrupting production to force concessions. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, regulates these actions.
• Lobbying: Engaging with policymakers to advocate for worker-friendly legislation.
• Political Participation: Supporting political parties and candidates sympathetic to their cause. Many unions are affiliated with national political parties.
• Public Demonstrations and Protests: Raising public awareness and mobilizing support for their demands.

Fragmentation and Challenges

Despite their potential, Indian trade unions are characterized by significant fragmentation along ideological, industry, and political lines. This weakens their bargaining power and hinders their ability to effectively represent the interests of all workers. Key challenges include:

• Political Domination: Many unions are controlled by political parties, leading to internal conflicts and a focus on political agendas rather than worker welfare.
• Low Membership Density: The organized sector constitutes a small percentage of the Indian workforce, limiting union membership. According to the Labour Bureau, the trade union membership density in 2018 was around 6.4%.
• Informal Sector: The vast majority of workers are employed in the informal sector, where unionization is difficult.
• Legal and Regulatory Constraints: Complex labour laws and bureaucratic hurdles often impede union activities.
• Globalization and Economic Liberalization: Increased competition and the rise of contract labour have eroded job security and weakened the bargaining power of unions.

Successes and Impact

Despite the challenges, trade unions have achieved significant successes in improving the conditions of workers:

• Labour Legislation: Unions played a crucial role in the enactment of landmark labour laws such as the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Factories Act, 1948, and the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.
• Wage Increases and Benefits: Through collective bargaining, unions have secured wage increases, improved benefits, and better working conditions for millions of workers.
• Social Security: Unions have advocated for social security measures such as pension schemes and unemployment benefits.
• Protection against Exploitation: Unions have helped to protect workers from exploitation and unfair labour practices.

Recent Trends

Recent trends indicate a decline in the influence of traditional trade unions, particularly in the private sector. However, new forms of worker organization, such as independent unions and online platforms, are emerging to address the challenges of the changing labour market. The Code on Industrial Relations, 2020, aims to consolidate and simplify existing labour laws, but its impact on trade unions remains to be seen.