Collective Labour Law
Collective labour law governs the relationship between employers, employees, and trade unions. It involves legal regulations concerning collective bargaining, union rights, the negotiation of labour agreements, and the settlement of collective disputes. This area of law ensures that employees, through their unions, have a platform to address issues like working conditions, wages, and benefits.
1.Individual Labour Law
Individual labour law focuses on the legal rights of individual employees in the workplace. It governs the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, working hours, dismissal procedures, and workplace safety. This branch ensures that employees’ rights are protected under their individual employment contracts and includes protections against unfair treatment or discrimination.
2.The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, sets out the minimum wages to be paid to workers in certain specified industries such as rice mills, flour mills, dal mills, and tobacco manufacturing. The Act ensures that workers receive fair compensation for their labour, providing a minimum threshold that employers are legally required to comply with to prevent exploitation.
3.The Apprentices Act, 1961
The Apprentices Act, 1961, provides for the regulation and development of practical training for individuals in various trades. It is designed to equip technically qualified individuals, such as engineers or diploma holders, with hands-on experience in the workplace. The Act establishes the legal framework for apprenticeships and ensures the proper training of workers in different sectors.
4.The Industrial Relations Code, 2020
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, consolidates and amends several laws related to trade unions, employment conditions, and the settlement of industrial disputes. The Code aims to streamline industrial relations and enhance the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms, while also addressing the recognition of trade unions, dispute settlements, and workers’ rights.
5.The Factories Act, 1948
The Factories Act, 1948, regulates the working conditions in factories, focusing on the health, safety, and welfare of workers. The Act prescribes mandatory provisions regarding working hours, rest intervals, the provision of clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and the use of machinery. It is designed to ensure that industrial operations are conducted in a manner that safeguards the well-being of employees.
6.The Plantations Labour Act, 1951
The Plantations Labour Act, 1951, applies to workers employed in plantations, including tea, coffee, rubber, and cardamom estates. The Act addresses workers’ welfare and working conditions, covering issues such as housing, health and medical facilities, and provision of amenities like canteens and drinking water. It aims to protect the interests of plantation workers and improve their living conditions.
7.The Mines Act, 1952
The Mines Act, 1952, governs the safety and welfare of workers in mines. It lays down stringent rules for the regulation of working hours, health and safety measures, and provisions for the welfare of mine workers. The Act mandates that employers ensure a safe working environment and that all mining activities comply with necessary safety protocols.
8.The Indian Railways Act, 1890
The Indian Railways Act, 1890, is a comprehensive statute that regulates the functioning of Indian Railways. It deals with matters related to the construction and maintenance of railways, passenger safety, freight regulations, and employee welfare. The Act also includes provisions that protect the rights of railway workers and addresses disputes that arise in the railway sector.
9.The Welfare Fund Act, 1976
The Welfare Fund Act, 1976, establishes welfare funds for workers in certain sectors such as beedi, cine, and other specified industries. The Act provides for the establishment of funds to improve the health, education, and general welfare of workers and their families. It mandates employers to contribute to these funds to ensure the welfare of their employees.