Obstacles to Growth of Collective Bargaining in India
The progress of collective bargaining in India is not very encouraging. The major emphasis of both unions and employers is-to settle the disputes through adjudication rather than sorting out the issues among themselves. Whatever bargaining takes place, it is limited to a few large plants only- Several factors are responsible for this state of affairs. These are discussed below :
1. Multiple Unions
There is a problem of multiplicity of unions in most of the industrial establishments. No union enjoys the support of the majority of workers in the plant. Moreover, rivalry among the trade unions does not allow to create the proper atmosphere for collective bargaining.
2. Non-recognition
There is a lack of definite procedure to determine which union is to be recognised to serve as a bargaining agent on behalf of the workers.
3. Political Interference
There has been very close association between the trade unions and political parties. As a result, trade union movement has not encouraged collective bargaining but has leaned towards political orientations.
4. Defective Laws
The law provides an easy access to adjudication. Under the Industrial Disputes Act, the parties to the dispute may request the Government to refer the matter to adjudication and the Government will constitute the adjudication machinery. Thus, the faith in the bargaining process is discouraged.
5. Mediation by Political Leaders
More often, industrial disputes are sought to be settled by inviting the political leaders to mediate and help the parties arrive at agreement. This inhibits the growth of collective bargaining.