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A different reforms agenda: Reform of trade unions!

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  • K. R. Shyam Sundar

    (Xavier School of Management (XLRI))

Abstract

A strong regulatory system was developed during the command economy to govern the industrial relations system (IRS) and the labour market which was integral to the governance and regulation of the industrial sector by the state and its agencies. The product market became liberalized gradually, though significantly over the years and employers and other pressure groups exert[ed] pressure on the government to initiate labour law and governance reforms. Trade unions opposed the reforms. The entire debate in IRS concentrated on the labour policy issues with several questioning the role of trade unions using a capitalistic perspective. However, there is a need to interrogate trade unions from an institutionalist perspective which while recognising positive functions of trade unions calls for reforms of trade unions to enhance their relevance and capacity in the era of globalisation. To be able to confront powerful forces in the era of globalization, trade unions need to reinvent themselves constantly without relying on the past. The paper makes several recommendations to restructure and modernize trade union movement.

Suggested Citation

  • K. R. Shyam Sundar, 2017. "A different reforms agenda: Reform of trade unions!," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 60(2), pages 233-252, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:60:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s41027-017-0089-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-017-0089-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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