Is it necessary for a workman to approach the Labour Deptt. for relief only through a registered trade union?
Ans. An industrial dispute as defined under Sec. 2(k) of Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, is required to be raised through a registered trade union. However a substantial number of workmen interested in a dispute can also raise the dispute through 5 workmen elected as representatives in a general resolution. Individual workman can also raise an industrial dispute against termination of his service under Sec. 2A of Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. A complaint relating to violation of law or settlement or award can also be made by the aggrieved workman himself. Similarly an application for relief under a specific law e.g. Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 can be made in the manner prescribed.
