Ithe Indian Context - Peaceful Industrial Relations

INTRODUCTION TO INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

THE INDIAN CONTEXT

1. The historical perspective and background

In any country peaceful Industrial Relations is a barometer of the harmony that exists between Employers and Employees. The success of Industrial Relations however does not depend on the programs, techniques and training sessions. Not even on the high salaries and perquisites that an organization bestows on its rank and file, but largely on the spirit of understanding, the positive attitude and the appreciation of the myriad of mutual problems that exist, arise and defy solution that the Management and Labor are determined to triumph over.

In India industrialization has taken place long, long after the Industrial Revolution (1760 – 1850). The first Unions were actually theosophical societies. Our prime statutes on regulating labor, was introduced between 1946 and 1948. Welfare legislation for the workmen was introduced between 1948 and 1952. The Bonus (1965) and Gratuity (1972) laws came much later! As late as 1978 we were still defining the term ‘Industry'! Most of the public sector industries and the giant private sector enterprises have come about after independence. In this span of about 64 years the Industrial Relations scene in our country has far from showing signs of stability, has progressively shown signs of weakness and deterioration. Instead of contributing substantially to national growth and prosperity, amelioration of society and of its people, Industrial Relations has almost destroyed the hope and faith that the people had in the system and the industry as a whole. It is indeed an irony that despite of several modern industries manufacturing all kinds of products meant to improve our standard of living in our country majority of our people are still eking out an existence or what is more politically