Unionism in a developing economy

This book treats the problem of inter action between the government and the organised labour movement in the specific context of India's developing economy. It is based on the empirical research of ag gregative and industry-wise data on union ism for the period 1950-1965. It provides an unusual interpretation of the government labour policy as an effort at resolving the conflict between the productionist goals of the state and the constitutional require ments of preserving, even strengthening, people's institutions, including trade unions. The effect of this policy on the consump tionist, politically led trade unions is por trayed. The author shows that the inter action process involves both conflict and cooperation. Consequently, as happens.to be the case in India, it is inevitable that a paradoxical relationship between the go vernment and union leaders should develop. This generates tension which can be neither overcome nor suppressed however. The unions, the employers, and the government must, therefore, learn the art of living with it. In India, it will take a long time to mas ter this art. Meanwhile, a beginning should be made. The author believes that, as long as the total uncertainty about the probable reactions to each other's behaviour remains undiminished, there is no hope of develop ing a durable, constructive relationship between the parties concerned. The first step in this direction is to analyse the inter action process and determine its outcome. The second is to propose the modification of government policy to serve a new, socially accepted and widely upheld purpose of strengthening the professional core of unionism through an ideologically neutral policy on trade unions.

This book will be found useful by rea ders, researchers, students, and practitioners of industrial relations alike. All those de sirous of understanding the current turmoil in labour relations will find in this book the necessary perspective.