Industrial Relations and Labour Laws: Meaning, Trade Unions, Collective Bargaining and Grievance Handling (Basics) Questions

Question 1

Trade unions are formed to protect workers’ interests. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. Trade unions protect and promote the **common interests** of workers in wages and working conditions.

Question 2

Define industrial relations (IR).

Accepted Answer

Industrial relations refers to the relationship between **management and workers** and the systems used to maintain cooperation and resolve conflicts at the workplace.

Question 3

State one objective of good industrial relations.

Accepted Answer

One objective is to maintain **industrial peace** by preventing and settling disputes quickly.

Question 4

Who are the main parties in industrial relations?

Accepted Answer

Main parties are **workers/employees**, **management/employers**, **trade unions** and the **government** (as regulator/mediator).

Question 5

Define collective bargaining.

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining is a process of **negotiation** between employer and employees (through unions) to decide wages and other employment terms.

Question 6

What is a grievance?

Accepted Answer

A grievance is any real or perceived feeling of **dissatisfaction or injustice** related to employment conditions or treatment at work.

Question 7

Explain the scope of industrial relations (any three areas) with a small table.

Accepted Answer

Scope of industrial relations:

| Area | Covers |
|---|---|
| **Working conditions** | wages, hours, safety |
| **Dispute settlement** | conciliation, arbitration, adjudication |
| **Collective bargaining** | negotiation and settlements |
| Grievance/discipline | complaints and rule enforcement |

Thus, IR covers both cooperation and conflict-handling systems in the workplace.

Question 8

Explain functions of trade unions (any three) with points.

Accepted Answer

Functions of trade unions (any three):

- represent workers in **collective bargaining**
- protect wages and working conditions
- support members in grievances and disputes
- provide welfare and education activities

Hence, unions act as a collective voice for workers and support industrial peace.

Question 9

Write the collective bargaining process steps with a simple flowchart (brief).

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining process:

Preparation → Negotiation meetings → Proposal/counter-proposal → Agreement/settlement → Ratification → Implementation → Review

This ensures give-and-take and a mutually accepted settlement.

Question 10

Explain grievance handling procedure with a flow and one principle.

Accepted Answer

Grievance handling procedure:

Employee → Supervisor → HR/Grievance committee → Top management → Arbitration (if needed)

One principle: handle grievances **quickly and fairly** with proper documentation and confidentiality.

Question 11

State any three causes of industrial disputes and one preventive measure (use a small table).

Accepted Answer

Causes of industrial disputes (any three):

| Cause | Example |
|---|---|
| **Wage issues** | demand for higher wages/DA |
| Poor working conditions | safety and welfare problems |
| Job insecurity | layoffs, retrenchment fear |
| Union rivalry | inter-union conflicts |

One preventive measure: effective **communication + timely grievance handling** to address issues early.

Question 12

Explain importance of good industrial relations (exam-style) with a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

Importance of good IR:

| Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| **Industrial peace** | fewer strikes/lockouts |
| Productivity | better output and quality |
| Morale | trust and satisfaction |

Thus, good IR improves performance and reduces conflict.

Question 13

Write an exam-style note on trade unions: objectives, functions and limitations (include a table and conclusion).

Accepted Answer

### Objectives and functions
Trade unions protect workers’ interests and represent them collectively.

| Area | Points |
|---|---|
| **Objectives** | wages, safety, job security, fair treatment |
| **Functions** | collective bargaining, grievance support, welfare |
| Limitations | union rivalry, politicisation, conflict if mismanaged |

### Conclusion
When unions act responsibly, they improve employee voice and help maintain **industrial peace** through negotiated settlements.

Question 14

Explain discipline and principles of natural justice in disciplinary action (exam-style) with a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Meaning
**Discipline** means following rules and acceptable behaviour at work.

### Principles (natural justice)
| Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **Consistency** | similar cases treated similarly |
| **Impartiality** | unbiased decision-making |
| Opportunity to be heard | employee can explain/show cause |
| Proportionality | punishment fits the misconduct |

### Conclusion
Following natural justice ensures fairness, reduces disputes and builds trust in the disciplinary system.

Question 15

Explain collective bargaining: meaning, features and benefits (exam-style) with a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Meaning and features
Collective bargaining is negotiation between management and workers/unions to decide employment terms.

| Feature | Point |
|---|---|
| **Collective** | group negotiation through unions |
| Continuous | ongoing process |
| Give-and-take | mutual compromise |

### Benefits
- reduces conflicts and supports **industrial peace**
- improves communication and trust
- creates clear agreements on wages/conditions

### Conclusion
Effective collective bargaining creates win-win settlements and strengthens long-term employer–employee relations.

Area	Covers
Working conditions	wages, hours, safety
Dispute settlement	conciliation, arbitration, adjudication
Collective bargaining	negotiation and settlements
Grievance/discipline	complaints and rule enforcement

Industrial Relations and Labour Laws: Meaning, Trade Unions, Collective Bargaining and Grievance Handling (Basics)

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