The Strength of Trade Unions is declining sharply in India,

The history of Trade unions in India has always been compromising; Indian trade union total membership stands at 10% which is very miserable in comparison to any developed country in the world whereas Sweden reserves its first position with 91% membership. Even small countries posses good position in terms of membership.

Essentially the starting of trade unions in India is seen as in 1890 when Bombay Millhand Association was formed but at that point of time there was not any kind of regulation to regulate Trade Unions and to validate the entity of Unions in India in result of this the movement of Unions at that time was considered as an conspiracy against Industrialization and the leaders was summoned as they were accused of compensating workmen for breaking their contract made between employers and workmen. The entity of Unions was also questioned as who had given them permission to operate and purpose of existence was not clear? 

Trade Union plays very important role in labor related issues as their purpose of existence is welfare of workmen. The workmen can’t alone fight against unfair labor practices by employer, trade unions provide them with support and act in behalf of labor.

Every organization for its functioning depends on cash or money that is often seen as burning issues in case of Trade Unions or any other welfare association. Though some of Trade Unions charges its membership fee but the fee is so nominal that even after attaining huge no of membership they could collect a amount which is below survival level.

Over the past two decades we have seen dramatic changes in labors movement, now labor are more educated, they are psychologically and socially more strong. They know about laws and compliances. They understand when they are being exploited and what is in their benefit. They can now directly go to Labor Courts or to employer and ask for their right.

The legislation also binds employer to keep necessary records and to comply with minimum set standards by central or state government. And a regular inspection of organizations by Government officer also leads towards lesser need of joining any trade union.

Now employer is much concern about productivity rather than being involved in other unnecessary issues. They are much concern about employee welfare, their social security, their motivation (whether intrinsic or extrinsic), their development, their job security. Today’s employer knows the importance of human aspect of labor in industry. They don’t want to stick on minimum set by the government but to go ahead by giving addition benefits to employee.

These changes in current scenario of Employee and employer relation leads toward a better tomorrow, when there would be no need of any kind of trade Union and all the disputes will be solved by Grievance handling committee of organization or through any arbritrator.