Trade unionism in Airports Authority of India

Our constitution granted fundamental rights to form Union and Association. It is the freedom available to every citizen of this country. There is no bar for any citizen or workers of an industry to remain members of any particular Union. But inspite of legislative arrangement and constitutional provisions, the workmen of the Airports Authority of India forced to continue the members of the recognised Union. The monthly Union subscription of recognised Union are deducted from workers salary without adhering to the provisions of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936. Payment of Wages Act provides for deduction of monthly subscription of Registered Trade Union on written authorisation by the workmen. It means the right to contribute monthly subscription of Union of his/her choice is available to the workmen. In case any workman wishes not to contribute monthly subscription to the Union to whom he was a member, he can simply give in writing to his/her employer to stop his/her monthly contribution. He has the freedom to choose Union of his/her choice and contribute monthly subscription. But unfortunately this provisions are not being followed in Airports Authority of India. The AAI management vehemently violating the provisions of the act.

Inspite of adoption of the practice to recognised multiple trade union in industry, the Airports Authority of India still maintaining the old concept of One Industry, One Union. Even the Code of Discipline provides for recognition of multiple trade union. Most of the leading PSUs have accepted the concept of recognising multiple trade union. The Rules framed by the BSNL management is the fittest example. This concept creates a healthy climate in industry. This also favours the employees concern.

In most of the industrial establishment recognition of unions are granted for a period of 2 years. This help the workmen to change the Union after 2 years incase it failed to upkeeps the aspiration of workers. Contrary to above in Airports Authority of India recognition are granted for a period of 5 years in complete violation of the instructions issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment and workmen of the Authority are forced to suffer for the failure of recognised Union to fulfill the aspiration of workers.