Indian labor laws establish labor rights and regulate employment conditions. Generally, labor laws are laws relating to relations between employers and employees. They guarantee few legal rights to workers. In addition, they aim to promote the interests of workers.
Labor laws can be classified into two main categories. The first category consists of laws that define the relationship between unions, employees and employers. The second category includes laws that establish the rights of employees in the workplace. Labor laws were formulated to address workers’ demands to improve working conditions, wages, hours of work, protection of labor rights, and the resolution of labor disputes.
Indian laws on labor rights and workplaces are regulated by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The main laws of India related to workers’ rights and employment are, for example:
- The Industrial Conflict Act of 1947.
- Bonus Payment Act of 1965.
- The Wage Payment Act of 1936.
- The Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986.
- Trade Unions Act 1926.
- The Maternity Benefits Act of 1961.
- Factories Act 1948.
- The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976.
- The State Employee Insurance Act of 1948.
Labor law: what you need to know
Labor laws in India provide for the provision of legal strikes and the right to strike. However, the Government is empowered to limit these rights in favor of public order. Here are some things to know about labor laws in India:
The Industrial Conflict Act of 1947
The Labor Disputes Act of 1947 was enacted in 1947. Few provisions of the law are derived from the Labor Disputes Act of 1929. This act provided for the formation of two types of institutions to promote labor peace, namely, the committees of company and labor courts.
The committees understood by the representatives of the workers and employers. It aims to promote harmonious relationships and smooth the communication process between the parties. The courts were empowered to deal with labor disputes.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) is the international body that deals with labor issues and promotes labor rights. In addition, it defends the principle “work is not a commodity” and calls for equal, fair and dignified treatment for workers in the workplace.