In the labyrinthine corridors of India’s burgeoning economy, the paradigms of Employee and Industrial Relations have emerged as pivotal fulcrums balancing the aspirations of a workforce with the imperatives of economic growth. As the nation strides towards the vision of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, the discourse on whether ER or IR should take precedence has become increasingly salient. Here, we seek to unravel the complexities of ER and IR in the contemporary Indian context, arguing for the indispensability of both within the legal framework, while concluding that their symbiotic coexistence is essential for sustainable development.
Employee Relations and Industrial Relations are often conflated, yet they inhabit distinct realms within the organisational ecosystem. ER pertains to the management of relationships between employers and employees, focusing on individual and collective workplace interactions, grievance redressal, and fostering a conducive work environment. It is inherently microcosmic, emphasising the human element within organisations.
On...