Gheraos and industrial relations

Gheraos have figured in industrial relations with a suddenness which is in a way quite surprising, and their impact has also been bewildering to many. On the necessity, legitimacy and desirability of gheraos, different social groups are bound to have divergent views. As the gheraos have been unfolding themselves in a variety of ways, it was felt. that a scientific study of the subject would be helpful in highlighting the essen tial features of gheraos and in the formation of a public policy in that connection.

The author has attempted to make an assessment of the pros and cons of gheraos in the light of representative opinion of different sections of the educated public, including Members of Parliament, lawyers, educationists, journalists, employers and trade unionists; in other words, he has made a comprehensive analysis of public opinion on gheraos.

The cross-current of views which has shrouded clear thinking on gheraos has also been sought to be delineated in the process. The study is basically an opinion survey but it was made purposive by means of an objective questionnaire so as to in voke appropriate responses.

The opinion of experts from eleven different countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Aus tralia, West Germany and Sweden, are also included for purposes of analysis.

The study is not confined to the (legal implications of gheraos but attempts to analyse the impact of gheraos on industrial relations, dis pute settlement machinery, produc tion, employment as well as the trade union movement. The analysis fur ther leads to an exploration of the steps to prevent gheraos for which the author suggests not only the installa tion of a suitable legal machinery but also the application of socio-political sanctions.