Trade Union Leaders at the Plant Level and Their Perspective on Trade Union Management and HR Practices: A Case Study

Abstract

The present study aimed at identifying the profile of trade union leaders operating at a plant level in India and to find out their viewpoint on trade union management and HR practices of their plant.  The data collected from 81 local trade union leaders using an interview schedule is the basis for the study. The study finds that that an average trade union leader is a middle aged, educated, urbanite employee of the plant with multilingual proficiency. He has joined in the union with a genuine interest of serving working class. However, increasing expectations of the members makes his job difficult. He firmly believes that mutual discussions, negotiations and legal methods are the best means of achieving union objectives. He is happy with the present HR practices existing in the Plant.  Though there is a feeling that intensity of work and workload are increased, he believes that improved quality of working conditions, increased employee benefits and services, and learning opportunities make the employees happy. Finally, he is willing to sacrifice the sectional interests of the members for the long term benefit of the plant.