GOVERNMENT YET TO TAKE A DECISION ON AMENDMENT TO THE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ACT

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The Labour Minister, Shri Sharad Yadav told the Lok Sabha today that the government is yet to fix the number of workers employed by an establishment for coverage under the proposed amendment to the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Replying to the supplementaries during the Question Hour, the Labour Minister said that the Cabinet has approved the proposed amendment only in principle on a suggestion of the Group of Ministers that establishments employing upto 1000 persons may close down without government permission. He said that the government would consult trade unions and employers organisations before amending the Industrial Disputes Act. The Labour Minister said that the Central Trade Unions have submitted 14 suggestions and Employers Organisation 15 suggestions on amendments to labour laws. He said that the Prime Minister has already said that the change in labour laws would be made in consultation with all. Shri Yadav said that amendments to labour laws is a continuous process. It involves consultation with all stake holders which takes time. Shri Yadav admitted that several central trade unions had voiced their fears about the proposed changes in the Industrial Disputes Act and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. He said that the Group of Ministers is yet to take a final view on amending the Contract Labour Act.