by - Conventions/sessions
- General council (President, VP, Secretary-General, etc.)
- Provincial bodies (at state level chairman, secretariats)
- Local bodies (affiliated unions)
National convention/conferences are hold at periodic intervals, say annually or bi-annually. This is the highest policymaking body. This is presided over by the president of the union attended by the delegates such as chairmen of state units, representatives of specialized services, legal experts and delegates from international bodies and special invitees. Office bearers are also elected by this conference.
General council consists of president, vice-president, secretary and other office bearers. It carries out policy decisions taken by convention. Various standing committees are set up on rendering study, analysis and recommendations on various aspects like legislative measure, Research and publications, international services etc.
State units are headed by chairman of state/regional areas. State units also liaise with National Headquarters; keep a close watch of faithful implementation of labour legislation and practices. It assists/influence state government to pass labour friendly legislation and executive/administration actions.
It is also responsible for membership of various unions representing workers in industrial undertakings (units) and/or representing trade and industrial units affiliated to the central trade union. These state units get themselves attached to State/Provincial/HQ/Regional unions/Units.
Headquarters (HQ) unions are responsible for welfare of its members and membership drive. As bargaining agents they are involved in collective bargaining with Central Government/ and or State government and assist passing legislative measures.
Objectives:
(i) The organisation of a trade union on the basis of the craft or industry in which its members are employed, such as general unions and professional employee’s organisations.
(ii) Collective bargaining, which is the essence of industrial relations, for it is through collective bargaining that the terms and conditions of employment are determined and under which work is performed’ satisfactorily.
(iii) Grievance processing and handling procedures, under which grievances are redressed or dealt with by a correction of situation or by channelling up of these “up the line”.
(iv) Arbitration, by which unsettled or unresolved disputes can be settled by an outside agency.
(v) Political pressure exercised through legislators who are capable of bringing about changes in labour laws; and
(vi) Mutual insurance through common contributions to meet the financial needs of workers when there are stoppages of work.
Characteristics of Trade Union:
- A union normally represents members in many companies throughout the industry or occupation.
- A union is fundamentally an employer regulating device. It sharpens management efficiency and performance while protecting the interests of the members.
- A union is a part of the working class movement.
- A union is a pressure organisation originating in the desire on the part of a group with relatively little power to influence the action of a group with relatively more power.
- A union is a political institution in its internal structure and procedures.
