Etosu: The Intersection of People and Protection
IR Advisory - Proactive grievance redressal
Strategic Workplace Harmony & Compliance under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Industrial Relations (IR) Advisory services focus on creating a stable, productive workplace by proactively addressing employee concerns, managing union relations, and resolving disputes within the framework of labor laws and in accordance of Industrial Relations Code, 2020,
Key Aspects of IR Advisory and Services
01
Proactive Grievance Redressal with respect to
- Mechanisms: Implementing structured processes such as "step-ladder" policies (beginning with immediate supervisors) or "open-door" policies.
- Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC): Establishing committees with equal representation from employers and workmen to handle complaints regarding non-employment, terms of employment, or service conditions.
- Preventive Measures:Using "gripe boxes," exit interviews, and opinion surveys to identify issues before they escalate.
- Confidentiality & Timelines: Ensuring swift resolution (ideally within 30 days) while protecting confidentiality to prevent retaliation.
02
Communication Draft Advisory with respect to
- Transparency: Issuing clear policies on disciplinary procedures, work rules, and changes in service conditions, as required by the Code.
- Digital Adoption: Utilizing electronic, email, or government portal communications for notices, complaints, and settlements.
- Proactive Communication: Regularly informing workers about company decisions, benefits, and working conditions to prevent rumors and misunderstanding.
03
Dispute Resolution advisory service
- Internal Mechanisms:Prioritizing Works Committees and GRCs for resolution at the lowest level.
- Conciliation:Engaging with government-appointed conciliation officers or Boards of Conciliation (under Section 4/5) for mediation in disputes.
- Arbitration:Using voluntary arbitration (Section 10A) as a swift, cost-effective alternative to court litigation.
- Adjudication:Utilizing Industrial Tribunals or Labour Courts if conciliation fails, specifically for matters like wrongful dismissal, wages, or, safety.
04
Union Negotiation & Settlements advisory related to
- Negotiating Union & Management Council to support in evolving a win-win proposition related to wages, safety, working hours, etc. and or as per the charter of demand
- Bipartite Agreements: Drafting legally binding settlements signed by both parties, which are then submitted to labor authorities.
- Code of Discipline: Encouraging adherence to the voluntary "Code of Discipline" (1958) to avoid direct action (strikes/lockouts) and use recognized, peaceful settlement mechanisms.
05
Regulatory Compliance (IR Code, 2020 & Draft Rules 2025)
- Works Committee:Mandatory in establishments with 100 or more workers to promote dialogue.
- Notice of Change:Prior notice must be served for any changes to service conditions.
- Retrenchment/Closure:Adhering to legal requirements for informing authorities and worker representatives, with provisions for a "re-skilling fund" for retrenched workers.
- Compounding Offences:Allowing certain violations to be settled by paying a penalty instead of prosecution.