Overview
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 consolidates three central labour laws — the Trade Unions Act 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act 1947. It introduces significant changes to retrenchment, layoff, and closure norms, and creates a new category of fixed-term employment.
Key Provisions
Fixed-term employment with same benefits as permanent workers (Section 2(o))
Retrenchment and closure threshold raised to 300 workers (from 100) without government approval (Section 77)
Sole negotiating union recognised where union has 51%+ membership (Section 14)
Two-year cooling-off period before strike in essential services (Section 62)
Reskilling fund for retrenched workers (Section 84)
Grievance redressal committee mandatory in establishments with 20+ workers (Section 4)
Tribunal system streamlined — Industrial Tribunal replaces multiple bodies (Section 44)
Applicability
All industrial establishments
Trade unions with 10%+ membership or minimum 100 workers
Establishments with 300+ workers for retrenchment/closure provisions
Amendment History
2021
Central Government notified the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2021.
2020
Original enactment