CHAPTER III PROFILE OF THE TRADE UNIONS - …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/12547/7/07_chapter 3.pdf · chapter iii profile of the trade unions 3.1 introduction. 3.2 profile

CHAPTER III

PROFILE OF THE TRADE UNIONS

3.1 INTRODUCTION.

3.2 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT MORMUGAO PORT

TRUST.

3.3 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT GOA SHIPYARD

LIMITED.

3.4 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT COLFAX PRIVATE

LI1VIITED.

3.5 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT CIBA SPECIALTY

CHEMICALS ( INDIA) LIMITED.

3.6 COMPARISON OF TRADE UNION PROFILE.

3.7 CONCLUSIONS.

54

3.1 INTRODUCTION:

In this chapter we deal with the evolution and growth of trade unions in Goa

during pre-liberalisation and post liberalisation period followed by the profiles of

the trade unions at the Mormugao Port Trust, Goa Shipyard Limited, Colfax Private

Limited and Ciba Specialty Chemicals ( India ) Limited.

3. 1. 1 TRADE UNIONS IN GOA PRIOR TO LIBERALISATION:

Under the Portuguese rule, Goan economy was a stagnant economy with the half-

hearted attempt of the Portuguese to bring about a planned development in Goa. Farming,

fishing and mining were its main occupations. A few small scale industrial units like

cashew processing units, fruit and fish canning units, tile making factory, match

factory, tyre re-threading unit and a few laundry soap making factories existed at the

time of Goa's liberation. However it was an import-oriented economy supported by

exports of iron ore and lacked any industrial base in the true sense of the term.

Table 3. 1. 1. 1 General Information of Industries

1. 1961 1971 1981 1991 1. No. of factories in operation 34 142* 186 272 2.Estimated average number of workers employed daily in registered factories

N.A 10488 12393* 19653

2. 1.No. of S.S.Is in Goa registered with Industries Department N.A 621* 1460 4763 2. Large and medium Industries N.A 10 N.A 42 3.Estimated average number of workers in small scale Industries

N.A 4936 13,394 30,073

4. Employment in Large and medium Industries N.A 1004 N.A 9120 5.Persons employed a) Workers b) Other than

Workers

2407 1998

409

5856 4870

986

16,608.00 12,029.00

4579.00

17416.00 12,766.0

4650.00 * includes Daman and Diu Source: Report on the Annual Survey of Industries.

51

4 47

It is evident from Table 3. 1. 1. 1 that industrialisation at the time of Goa's

liberation ( 1961 ) was at its minimum with only 34 factories in operation which

increased to 272 in 1991 . Prior to the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese in

1961, most of the industries were small and some of them were household

industries. The number of people employed in these industries were comparatively

few and therefore there were no Trade Unions.

Desai, K ( 1993 ) in his Thesis titled " Trade Union Movement in Goa. 1936 —

1986 " also says that there were no trade unions during the Portuguese rule in Goa.

There were labourers employed from Goa and neighbouring States to construct the

Goa Railway and Mormugao harbour which functioned without any union but

witnessed an agitation that was taken up by about 250 employees working at the

Railway workshop at Baina, Vasco.

Like the railway and harbour industries, the mining industry in Goa too under the

Portuguese rule did not have any union, but experienced stoppage of work by seven

hundred workers at Sirigao mines in north Goa in 1952, which lasted for twelve

days. Liberation of Goa in 1961, initiated the birth and spread of trade unions in

Goa. On 13th January 1962, five thousand workers from the docks went on a

spontaneous forty-eight hours general strike which gave birth to the Mormugao Port,

Dock and Transport Workers Union ( M.P. D. T. W. U ). It was a Communist led

unrecognized and unregistered union, as the Trade Union Act and other laws were

not yet extended to Goa and so its actions were considered to be illegal.

52

In May 1962, The Indian National Trade Union Congress ( I. N. T. U. C) came

to Goa and organized mine workers and port and dock workers. They established

unions under the I. N. T. U. C in Goa, namely National Mine Workers Union

( N. M. W. U ), National Dock & Transport Workers Union ( N. D. & T. W. U ),

National Commercial Employees Sangh ( N. C. E. S) and National Cinema and

Hotel Workers Union ( N. C . & H. W. U ).

By September 1962, Hind Mazdoor Sabha ( H. M. S) established two unions in

Goa namely (a) The Transport and Dock Workers Union ( Goa ) ( T. D. W. U )

and (b) Steel Mazdoor Sabha at Bicholim.

On 13th November 1964, The Government of India set up a Wage Board for port

and dock workers at major ports.

In 1964, the Mormugao Port and Railway Workers Union ( M. P. R. W. U) was

formed and was affiliated to the All India Port and Dock Workers Federation

( A. I. P. D. W. F).

" Goa Sena ", a new organisation led by freedom fighter Shri Shabu Desai was

formed in 1969 to protect the Goan interests .

The bargemen formed the " United Bargemen Association " affiliated to H. M. S.

on 10th March, 1975.

The All India Trade Union Congress ( A. I. T. U. C) was established in Goa in 1962

and was recognized in 1964 under the leadership of Comrade George Vaz.

With initial resistance, the companies, mine owners and industrialists eventually

accepted the formation of unions in Goa.

53

Table 3. 1. 1. 2 Trade unions in Goa for the year 1961,1971,1981,1991.

Sr. No

1 Item

2 1961

3

Year

1971(70) 1981(80)

4 5 1991(90)

6

1

No. of Trade Unions:

a) Registered

b) Submitting Returns

N.A

N.A

41

10

86

59

147

100

2

Membership at the end of

the Year N.A 1282 42,300 37,004(P)

3 Income including balance carried over previous year(Rs. in lakhs)

N.A 33,716 13,75,972 54.66

4 Expenditure (Rs. in lakhs) N.A 14,602 10,95,719 24.40

5 Balance of funds at the close of the year (Rs. In lakhs) N.A 19,114 2,80,253 30.26

(P) Provisional Source: Office of the Commissioner, Labour Employment, Panjim Goa

In Table 3. 1. 1. 2, it is evident that trade unions were formed in Goa only after

Liberation of Goa, in 1961. During 1970, there were 41 unions formed, in

1980 the total number of unions was 86 and in 1990, the total number of

unions increased to 147 with 61 new unions being registered. Between 1961 to

1990, the unions grew at an increasing rate. Thus at the time of liberalisation,

there were 147 trade unions registered in Goa, of which 100 submitted returns

and had a membership of 37,004 workers.

54

3. 1.2 TRADE UNIONS IN GOA AFTER LIBERALISATION:

After Liberalisation, a number of new trade unions were formed in Goa. The

growth rate was higher during initial years of the post- liberalisation period but

the rate of growth declined between 1995 to 2000 and the fall in the rate was

even more drastic during 2001 - 2004 period as shown in the Table 3. 1. 2. 1.

Table 3. 1. 2. 1 Number of New Trade unions Registered in Goa during 1991-

2004.

Year 1991-1995 1996-2000 2001-2004 Total number of new trade unions registered in Goa.

63 55 24

Source: Based on primary data collected from Research Assistant, Labour Commissioner, Panjim Goa.

It is obvious from Table 3. 1. 2. 1 that, after liberalisation ( 1991 onwards ), there

was a spurt in the growth of trade unions with 63 new unions being registered.

However after 1995, the increase in new trade unions was relatively less. Only 55

new unions were registered between 1996 — 2000. The number of new unions

being registered during 2001 — 2004 reduced even further to only 24.

Thus between 1961 and 2004, 289 unions were formed in Goa, of which 147 were

registered before liberalisation and 142 unions after liberalisation. Table 3. 1. 1. 2

clearly shows that during 1961 - 1971, 41 trade unions were registered, during 1971

- 1981 another 45 unions were added and that during 1981 - 1991, 61 unions were

registered. This implies that over a period of 30 years, 147 trade unions were

registered. However after liberalisation, as shown in Table 3. 1. 2. 1, 63 new trade

55

unions were registered during 1991 - 1995, 55 unions added in 1996 - 2000 and

another 24 unions registered in 2001 - 2004, which means 142 unions were

registered within a period of 15 years. Thus it was evident from Table 3. 1. 1. 2 and

Table 3. 1. 2. 1 that although there were more unions registered prior to

liberalisation, the rate of growth of trade unions in Goa was much greater during

the post liberalisation period.

In 2005, according to the Labour Commissioner's Office, Goa had 270 unions

registered with the Registrar of Trade Unions in Goa. ( refer Appendix VI )

Of these 270 registered unions, 114 trade unions were registered in the industrial

sector, 149 in the service sector, 3 related to agricultural activities, 3 were

employers unions and 1 federation.

According to Mr. Christopher Fonseca, the present General Secretary ( A. I. T. U. C)

during the post liberalisation period, A. I. T. U. C has been functioning in Goa

with total commitment and concern towards the workers, as it did since its

inception in 1962. It was both local and national in character and had

international affiliation to the World Federation of Trade Unions ( W. F. T. U).

The union had all types of workers - casual, daily, self-employed and contract

labour as its members. A number of trade unions in Goa are affiliated to this

union.

With regard to MPT, it is associated with spillage workers; at Goa Shipyard

Limited with Goa Shipyard Worker's Union which is not a recognized union, and

at Ciba it was associated earlier with the canteen workers and fabrication and

56

maintenance. It not only provides its services to the affiliated industries, but also to

workers from other industries to settle or ventilate their grievances individually.

3.2 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT MORMUGAO PORT TRUST:

India, with a coastline of 7,500 Km, has 12 major ports and Mormugao Port is

one of them situated on the west coast of India. It has become the first port in

the country and one among the few in the world to acquire the prestigious

quality certificate ISO 9002. Mormugao Port Trust is a service organization,

situated at Mormugao Harbour and is an Autonomous body under the Central

Government Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Delhi.

It is governed by The Major Port Trust Act, 1963 ( amended by Major Port

Trusts ( Amendment ) Act, 1974 extended w.e f. 1. 2. 1975 ).

3. 2. 1 GROWTH OF TRADE UNIONS AT MORMUGAO PORT TRUST

There were ten trade unions present at the Mormugao Port Trust namely:

1. Mormugao Port & Railway Workers Union.

2. Goa Port & Dock Employees Union.

3. Goa Port & Dock Workers Organisation.

4. Mormugao Port Trust Employees Union.

5. Mormugao Waterfront Workers Union.

57

6. Mechanical Ore Handling Project Technicians Association.

7. Transport & Dock Workers Union.

8. Goa Port & Dock Employees Union ( Workers ).

9. Goa Dock Labour Union.

10. MOHP ( MPT) Workers Union.

Of these ten unions, Mormugao Port & Railway Workers Union ( M. P. R. W. U.)

is a recognized union and Goa Port & Dock Employees Union (G. P. D. E. U) is

a deemed officially recognized union.

MORMUGAO PORT & RAILWAY WORKERS UNION (MPRWU):

This study involves 65 members of this union ( 5 % of 1357 in 2005 ) who were

chosen from all the ten departments at MPT and employed as clerks, peons,

accountants, khalasees, sweepers, storekeepers, carpenters, masons, electricians,

wiremen, fitters, crane operator, technicians, station officer, blacksmith, mistri etc.

Table 3.2. 1. 1 Age and Sex of the Respondents.

Sr. No Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Age 1. < 25yrs 2 3.1 3.1 2. 25-40 yrs 17 26.2 29.2 3. 41-50 yrs 25 28.5 67.7 4. 51-60 yrs 21 32.3 100.0 5 Total 65 100.00

(B) Sex 1. Males 45 69.2 69.2 2. Females 20 30.8 100.0 3. Total 65 100.00

Age: Min = 22 yrs Max = 60 yrs Mean= 45.53 yrs Std Dev= 8.1 Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

58

Table 3. 2. 1. 1 points out that over 50 % of the respondents were in the age

group of 25 to 50 years. Around 60 % were in the age group of 41-60 yrs and

only 2 % were in the age group of less than 25 yrs. It also shows that over 69 %

of the respondents were males.

Statistically, the average age of the respondents was 45 years and 8 % variation

was found in the age of the respondents. The youngest respondent was 22 yrs old

while the oldest respondent was 60 yrs old.

Table 3.2. 1.2 Educational Qualifications and Nature of labour of the Respondents

Sr No (A)

Items Educational Qualification

Frequency Percent Cum.Percent

1 < S.S.C. 20 30.8 30.8 2 S.S.C. 20 30.8 61.5 3. XII 11 16.9 78.5 4. Undergraduate 2 3.1 81.5 5. Graduate 12 18.5 100.0 6. Total 65 100.00

(B) Nature of labour 1. Skilled 44 67.7 67.7 2. Semi-Skilled 5 7.7 75.4 3 Unskilled 16 24.6 100.0

.4. Total 65 100.00 Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 2. 1. 2 states that although 61 % of the respondents had attained

educational qualification of < SSC to SSC , 68 % of the total respondents were

skilled in nature.

It also depicts that majority of the respondents had more than SSC as educational

qualifications and on an average the respondents were mostly skilled in

nature.

59

Table 3. 2. 1. 3 Membership and Marital Status of the Respondents.

Sr. No Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Membership since

1 1964-1990 24 36.9 36.9 2 1991-2000 31 47.7 84.6 3. 2001-2006 5 7.7 92.3 4. No Response 5 7.7 100.0 5. Total 65 100.00

(B) Marital Status 1. Married 63 96.9 96.9 2. Single 2 3.1 100.0 3. Total 65 100.0

Source: Based on the Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 2. 1. 3 shows that majority of the respondents joined the union during

1991-2000 and that more than 84 % of the respondents have been members of

this union during the period under study. It also shows that 97 % of them were

married and only 3 % were single in terms of marital status.

History and Structure:

According to the present president of this union, the Portuguese " Junta "

Administration had offered to pay a work-linked bonus to the workers which was

given to the officers. The workers were to be paid on 20 th December, 1961. Goa

was liberated on 19 th December, 1961 and the bonus issue of the workers

remained unaddressed. This led to a three day agitation by the workshop Railway

workers, train examiner representatives and loco running staff at Baina workshop

in 1962. The port officer nominated in 1964 too disagreed to pay the sanctioned

bonus which led to the establishment of the Mormugao Port and Railway

60

Worker's Union on 4 th February, 1964 and was affiliated to the All India Port &

Dock Workers Federation led by HMS. The union conducted elections regularly

based on elaborate and well-defined election procedures.

The present ( upto 2005 ) Union Executive consisted of the President, two Vice

- Presidents; the Secretary; the General Secretary; three Joint Secretaries:

(Ministerial); two Joint Secretaries: ( Non-Ministerial); Treasurer and eight

Committee members.

Administration:

The frequency of the union executive meetings was medium, had good attendance

and active participation. Its functioning was democratic in nature and provided a

somewhat important role to its executive members with regard to decision making.

The President or the General Secretary negotiated with the management.

During 1990 to 1995, the union dealt with local issues and carried out local strikes,

gheraoes. Its functions were fighting against the Privatisation policy, wage revision,

filling up vacant regular posts and demanding with the management to fix labour

targets. After 1995, its main functions centered around negotiating unsettled

issues, pattern of manning scales, reduction in complement, elimination of wasteful

manpower, twelve-hour duty with existing staff after the ban in filling the

posts and improvement in medical facilities.

Between 2000 and 2005, it gave more importance to solving personal grievances,

educating workers to be more productive and to face globalisation. The union

61

leaders try to settle demands even without workers' involvement as they believe in

negotiating issues across the table. Only in sensitive issues that need agitation,

workers are involved.

Its priorities were to seek improvement in service conditions and fulfilling

production targets. The union was able to solve 99 % of the workers grievances

without deprivation to any employee.

Personnel, Membership and Degree of Unionisation:

The personnel at MPT is classified as Class I, Class II, Class III and Class IV

Workers. The Class I and Class II consist of Officers while the Class III and

Class IV consist of Non- cargo handling employees, Cargo-handling workers other

than shore workers, Cargo handling shore workers and Casual workers.

Table 3.2. 1.4 Actual Staff Strength as on 31' t March

Year Class I Class II Class III Class IV

No of Cargo handling other than Shore labour Class III Class IV

No of Cargo handling Shore labour Total

1990 127 63 1937 1609 - - - 3820 1991 129 60 1974 1546 - - - 3775 1992 123 55 1963 1586 - - - 3787 1993 129 56 1982 1605 - - 41 3813 1994 136 60 1922 1610 - - 53 3781 1995 135 58 1889 1678 - - 53 3813 1996 N.A N.A N.A N.A - - NA 3831 1997 137 63 1878 1695 - - - 3773 1998 146 78 1942 1594 239 447 - 4446 1999 145 88 1781 1623 420 446 - 4503 2000 156 92 1820 1615 410 440 - 4533 2001 164 90 1836 1497 443 435 - 4465 2002 153 78 1670 1253 337 258 - 3749 2003 149 89 1610 1156 306 246 - 3556 2004 142 90 1530 1118 316 184 5 3385 2005 l37 85 1490 1036 313 182 - 3243

Source: MPT Annual Administrative Report of MPT, 1990 -1991 to 2004-2005.

62

Table 3. 2. 1. 4 shows that before liberalization ( 1990 ), the total staff strength

was 3820 of which 1937 ( 50.70 %) were Class III and 1609 ( 42.12 %) were Class

IV workers.

In 1991, the total staff strength reduced to 3775 of which 1974 ( 52.29 %) were

Class III workers and 1546 ( 40.96 %) were Class IV workers.

Although the total staff strength decreased, the proportion of Class III workers

increased by 1.59 % while that of Class IV decreased by 1.16 %.

During 2005, the total staff strength was 3243 of which 1803 ( 55.59 ) were

Class III workers and 1217 ( 37.52 %) were Class IV workers.

In comparison to 1991, the total strength decreased in 2005 by 532 ( 14.09 %), so

also the number of Class III and Class IV workers, but the proportion of Class

III workers have increased by 3.30 % and that of Class IV declined by 3.44 %.

Only Class III and Class IV workers are members of the various unions at MPT.

With regard to MPRWU, since 1964 to 2004 the membership fee charged by the

union was Rs.6/- per annum and in the year 2005, it was raised to Rs. 50/- per

annum. Also the contract workers were allowed to take up membership and were

charged Rs.100/- per annum. The union membership had considerable influence on

decision making.

Decisions were sometimes taken by majority, approved by those affected and the

members were given considerable freedom to express opposing views. The union

membership was represented by each category of workers.

63

Table 3. 2. 1.5 Membership as percentage of Total labour force during 1991-2005.

Year

1

Total labour force

2

Total membership of Mormugao Port & Railway Worker's Union. (MPRWU)

3

Total membership of MPRWU as

Percentage of Total labour Force

4

Total number of Workers (Class IIII+IV)

5

Degree of

unionisation

6 ( 3/5 x100)

1991 3775 2738 72.52 3520 77.21 1992 3787 2680 70.76 3549 75.51

1993 3813 2563 67.21 3628 70.64 1994 3781 2446 64.69 3585 68.22 1995 3813 2384 62.52 3620 65.85 1996 3831 2320 60.55 3639 63.75 1997 3773 2040 54.12 3573 57.09 1998 4446 2038 45.83 3822 53.32 1999 4503 1998 44.37 4270 46.79 2000 4533 1880 41.47 4285 43.87 2001 4465 1763 39.48 4211 41.86 2002 3749 1760 46.94 3518 50.02 2003 3556 1543 43.39 3318 46.50 2004 3385 1507 44.51 3153 47.79 2005 3243 1357 41.84 3021 44.91

Source 1. Based on the Primary data collected through interviews with the Trade Union Leader.

2. Annual Administrative Report of MPT, 1990-1991 to 2004-2005.

From Table 3. 2. 1. 5 it is evident that the percentage of union membership to the

total labour force ( total staff strength ) decreased since 1991 to 2001.

In the year 2002, there was an increase of 7.46 % followed by a decrease in

2003 by 3.55 %, and experienced an increase in 2004 by 1.12 % and a decrease

in 2005 by 3.66 %.

It also shows the degree of unionisation with regard to this union. Following

formula was used to measure the degree of unionisation:

64

Union membership

Degree of unionisation = x 100

Total number of workers employed

The Table 3. 2. 1. 5 points out that the degree of unionisation was as high as

77.21 % in 1991 but had declined to around 45 % during 2005.

GOA PORT & DOCK EMPLOYEES UNION (GPDEU)

For purpose of this study, 63 members of this union ( 5 % of 1261 members in

2005 ) were selected by stratified sampling method from all the ten departments

and consisted of analyst, clerks, peons, accountants, office superintendent, wiremen,

nurses, hospital attendants, laboratory technicians, dresser, painter, mate, carpenters,

electricians, khalasees, junior engineers, etc.

Table 3. 2. 1.6 Age and Sex of the Respondents.

Sr. No (A)

Items Age

Frequency Percent Cum. Percent

1 < 25 yrs. 3 4.8 4.8 2. 25 -40 yrs. 27 42.9 47.6 3. 41-50 yrs. 16 25.4 73.0 4. 51-60 yrs 17 27.0 100.0 5. Total 63 100.00


Age: Min = 24 yrs Max = 58 yrs Mean= 42.73 yrs Std Dev =9.19 Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 2. 1.6 shows that 68 % of the respondents were in the age group of 25

to 50 years and that only 27 % of the respondents were female workers while

73 % were males.

65

Statistically speaking, the minimum age of the respondent was 24 yrs while the

maximum age of the respondents was 58 yrs. Also the average age of the

respondents was found to be almost 43 yrs and there was variation found in the

age of the respondents.

Table 3.2. 1.7 Educational Qualifications and Nature of labour of the Respondents.

Sr. No (A)



1. < S.S.0 14 22.2 22.2 2. S.S.0 19 30.2 52.4 3. XII 6 9.5 61.9 4. Under Graduate 1 1.6 63.5 5- Graduate 22 34.9 98.4 6 , Post Graduate 1 1.6 100.0 7. Total 63 100.00

(B) Nature of labour 1. Skilled 37 58.7 58.7 2. Semi-Skilled 7 11.1 69.8 3. Un-Skilled 15 23.8 93.7 4. No Response 4 6.3 100.0 5. Total 63 100.0

Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 2. 1. 7 depicts that 52 % of the respondents possessed < SSC to SSC

qualifications and that 34 % were graduates. The educational qualifications of

majority of the respondents was in fact XII and above. It also shows that 59 %

of the respondents were skilled workers while another 11 % were semi-skilled in

nature.

66

Table 3. 2.1. 8 Membership and Marital Status of the Respondents.

Sr, No. (A)

Items Membership since


1 1977 -1990 17 27.0 27.0 2 1991 - 2000 27 42.9 69.8 3. 2001 - 2005 9 14.3 84.1 4. No Response 10 15.9 100.0 5. Total 63 100.00

(B) Marital Status 1. Married 53 84.1 84.1 2. Single 10 15.9 100.0 3. Total 63 100.0

Source: Based on the Primary data collected through Workers' Questionnaires.

Table 3. 2. 1. 8 explains that the respondents consisted of 27 % of those who had

joined the union between the period 1977-1990, 42 % between 1991-2000, 14 %

between 2001-2006 and 16 % do not remember the exact year of joining the union.

Majority of the respondents joined the union during 1991-2000 as in the case

MPRWU. Also it shows that 84 % were married and that only 16 % of them

were still single in terms of marital status.


The present President of the union stated that GPDEU was established and

registered in 1977 due to the arrogant nature of MPRWU.

Initially, only the non-ministerial workers were its members and its membership was

thrown open to the ministerial workers in 1984 onwards. It has no contract

workers as its members, but only Class III and Class IV permanent workers. As

a local union, it was affiliated to the All India Port & Dock Workers Federation

at the regional level, and to the H. M. S at all India level.

67

During 1990-2005, biennial General Body meetings were held. Its executive

committee was elected regularly during such meetings, as it had a moderate

tenure. It faced a moderate contest between individuals rather than groups. The

union had high union solidarity and cordial relations with the management. Its

strike proneness was low and was indifferent to the management disposition

towards the union or union disposition towards the management.

In 2005, the Executive Committee consisted of the President, three Vice-

Presidents, the Secretary, two Assistant Secretaries, the Treasurer and had twenty-

two committee members.

Administration:

The union executive conducted its meetings regularly with a moderate attendance

but active participation and functioned in a democratic manner. The executive

body played an important role in decision making. All negotiations were carried

out by the President or the General Secretary. During 1990-1995 period, it

organised dharnas, morchas, strikes more frequently. During the later period, since

1995 onwards, it gave more importance to settling the issues through negotiations.

During 2000 onwards, the percentage of demonstrations was negligible. The union

aims at providing better facilities to the workers as well as their families.

The union's priorities are settling labour grievances especially regarding the

outdoor staff and taking immediate action with regard to accidental cases.

68

The union does not have any political affiliation or involvement and has sound

finances collected through membership fee.


A membership fee of Rs.25/- per annum was charged per member. Its membership

was restricted to permanent workers only. The union always believed in decision

by majority and need for approval of those affected. It bestowed on its members

the freedom to express opposing views.

According to its President, the members show a lot of interest in the union

affairs, as it encouraged self expression and freedom of action. It gave importance

to discipline and even issued notices to some of its members on account of

indiscipline, although on a very rare basis. To improve social soliciFity among

members it entertained all sorts of grievances including those of workers families

as well.

69

Table 3.2.1.9 Membership as Percentage of Total labour force during 1991-2005.

Year

1

Total labour force

2

Total membership of Goa Port & Dock Employees Union(GPDEU)

3

Total membership of GPDEU as

Percentage of labour force.

4

Total number of

Workers (Class III+IV)

5

Degree of

unionisation

6 (3/5 x 100)

1991 3775 3209* 85.00 3520 91.96

1992 3787 3365* 88.85 3549 94.81

1993 3813 3634* 95.30 3628 100.16

1994 3781 3655* 96.66 3585 101.95

1995 3813 3736* 97.98 3620 103.20

1996 3831 3226* 84.20 3639 88.65

1997 3773 3166* 83.91 3573 88.60

1998 4446 1368 30.76 3822 35.79

1999 4503 1508 33.48 4270 35.31

2000 4533 1480 32.64 4285 34.53 2001 4665 1413 30.28 4211 35.55 2002 3749 1259 35.58 3518 35.78

2003 3556 1318 37.06 3318 39.72

2004 3385 1270 37.51 3153 40.27 2005 3243 1261 38.88 3021 41.74

* Regarding union membership, figures for March 1991 to 1997 are based on sample basis verification. According to the respective union leader, its union had majority of the workers as its members. From 1998 onwards are true figures, after implementation of Check-off system and are verified by the labour ministry.

Source: 1. Annual Administrative Report of MPT, 1990-1991 to 2004-2005. 2. Based on Primary data collected through interviews with the Trade

Union Leader.

Table 3.2. 1.9 shows that the membership of this union showed fluctuations in its

growth. There was an increase in 1999, followed by a decline in the membership

from 2000 to 2002, accompanied by an increase in 2003 and a decrease in 2004

70

and 2005. In the year 2000, the increase in total labour force was greater than

the decrease in membership and this led to the decrease in the percentage of

union membership to the total labour force.

The increase in the percentage from 2002 to 2005 is caused by the decrease in

both the membership and total labour force .

Table 3. 2. 1.9 also shows that the degree of unionization declined from 1996 to

2000 and has increased from 2001 onwards.

3. 2. 2 MAIN FINDINGS:

The two recognized unions namely, The Mormugao Port & Railway Workers'

Union and The Goa Port & Dock Employees Union were established in the year

1964 and 1976 respectively. The unions were affiliated to an All India Federation

- Hind Mazdoor Sabha.

The Executive Committees were large in size, elected through democratic

procedures and were governed by the Code of Conduct. Inter-union rivalry existed

with no attempts for a merger although eighty percent of the respondents were of

the opinion that it undermined collective bargaining and sixty percent agreed that

it was more advantageous to the management. Unions provided its members an

easy accessibility to its top leadership. The union leadership was trained,

experienced, co-operative and sincere. The newly recruited workers showed

indifference to the union activities and its functioning. Very little time was

devoted by the members and also the attendance at the union meetings was

71

moderate. The Mormugao Port & Railway Workers' Union had a favourable

disposition towards the management while that of the Goa Port & Dock

Employees Union was indifferent in nature.

The Mormugao Port and Railway Worker's Union enjoyed majority in terms of

membership while the Goa Port & Dock Employees Union had a more stable

percentage of union membership to the total labour force. The degree of

unionisation of each of the two unions at Mormugao Port Trust was between 40

to 45 %. The unions had no political affiliation or involvement.

3.3 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED:

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is a Government of India Undertaking, under the

administrative control of the Department of Defense Production, Ministry of

Defence. It was established in 1957. It is specialized in the production of Sail

Training Ship, Fast Patrol Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels, Advanced Offshore

Patrol Vessels, Missile Craft, Extra Fast Attack Craft, Offshore Platform Supply

Cum Standby Vessel, 300 Passenger Vessel, 650 Ton Oil Tanker, and 35 Knots

Fast Patrol Vessel.

3.3.1 GROWTH OF TRADE UNIONS AT GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED:

There were four unions and three Associations functioning at Goa Shipyard

Limited namely:

72

1. Shipyard Employees Union - Goa .

2. Goa Shipyard Workers Union.

3. Goa Shipyard Kamgar Sangh.

4. Goa Shipyard Kamgar Ekvott.

The three Associations were:

1. Shipyard Technical Staff Association - Goa.

2. Goa Shipyard Administrative Staff Association.

3. Goa Shipyard Supervisors Association.

According to the Mohan Commission, the associations were not recognized as

unions although they were registered as trade unions with the Registrar of Trade

Unions. The association members opted for the non-unionised pay scales and

benefits and as a result, the Management considers only the organization of

worker class as unions.

The Shipyard Employees Union — Goa was set up in 1977 as the sole union

functioning at GSL until 1984 when the Goa Shipyard Workers Union was

established to safeguard workers who showed dissent with the main union from

being victimized and was affiliated to the A.I.T.U.0 Although these unions existed

even at present, they are not recognized by the management. In 1997, The

Shipyard Employees' Union — Goa suffered a split in the union which gave

rise to the forming of the Goa Shipyard Kamgar Sangh ( GSKS ) in 1998 and

Goa Shipyard Kamgar Ekvott ( GSKE ) in 2001, the two recognized unions at

Goa Shipyard Limited.

73

During 2001-2005 period, 891 workers ( i.e. 84.30 % of 1057 workers in 2005 )

were registered as members of these two unions.

GOA SHIPYARD KAMGAR SANGH ( GSKS )

The study is based on the responses of 23 union members ( 5 % of 457 members

in 2005 ). They too were selected through stratified sampling method and

possessed following features as shown in Table 3. 3. 1. 1.

Table 3. 3. 1. 1 Age and Sex of the Respondents

Sr.No Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Age 1. 35-40 yrs 5 21.7 21.7 2. 41-45 yrs 11 47.8 69.6 3. 46-50yrs 7 30.4 100.00 4. Total 23 100.00 (B) Sex 1. Males 23 100.00 100.00 2. Females 0 0.00 3. Total 23 100.00

Age: Min = 36 yrs Max = 50 yrs Mean = 44 yrs Std Dev = 3.6 Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 3. 1. 1 shows that 69 % of the respondents were in the age group of 35

to 45 years and had no females as its members.

Statistically, the respondents had minimum age of 36 yrs and the maximum age of

50 yrs. The average age of the respondents was 44 yrs and showed some

deviation in the age of the respondents. More than 30 % were above the average

age of the respondents belonging to this union.

74

Table 3. 3. 1. 2 Educational Qualifications and Nature of labour of the Respondents

Sr. No. (A)


Frequency Percent Cum.Percent

1. < S.S.C. 1 4.3 4.3 2. S.S.0 20 87.0 91.3 3. XII 2 8.7 100.00 4. Total 23 100.00 (B) Nature of labour 1. Skilled 22 95.7 95.7 2. Un-Skilled 1 4.3 100.00 3. Total 23 100.00


Table 3. 3. 1.2 depicts that 87 % of the respondents had < SSC to SSC as their

educational qualifications. It also highlights that although 95 % of them were

skilled in nature, less than 10 % of them had educational qualifications as more

than Standard XII.


Shipyard Employees Union — was established in 1977 and was affiliated to the

Hind Mazdoor Sabha. From 1991 to 1997, it was the sole bargaining union at

Goa Shipyard Limited, with a membership equivalent to the total workforce. The

union led the workers in the 1991, 1996 and 1998 strike. However in 1998, the

union refused to accept the proposal offered by the management, while the

workers were ready to do so. The members felt that the union leader did not

take its members into confidence and made independent decisions. This made the

members revolt against the trade union and form a union headed by workers

themselves. Unfortunately this gave rise to two unions instead of one, due to

75

intra-union rivalry among the members. Goa Shipyard Kamgar Sangh was the first

union to be formed in 1998. It was affiliated to the Bharatiya Port and Shipyard

Mazdoor Maha Sangh, an Industrial Federation, and to the Bharatiya Mazdoor

Sangh, an All India Federation.

Its present Executive Committee consists of the President, two Vice-Presidents, the

General Secretary, two Assistant Secretaries and the Treasurer.

Administration:

The Executive body actively participated in the meetings as it played an important

role in the decision making process of the union.

Its primary functions were to increase its contact with its members, provision of

safety devices and safety training, check on absenteeism, to demand a favourable

promotion policy and also signed wage settlement in 2000.

The union organized workshops on Industrial Disputes Act and Domestic Inquiry

and also educated its members on topics like Aids and its prevention,

absenteeism, etc. The union's relation with the other union was cooperative in

nature.

76


Table 3. 3. 1.3 Classification of Employees according to the Employment Status

Year / Period

Managerial Supervisory Clerical Workers Others Total

1995 165 242 145 1385 - 1937

2001 167 220 139 1201 - 1727

2005 168 198 129 1057 66 1618 N. B: Figures for the Year 1991 were not disclosed by the Personnel Officer. Source: Based on the Primary data collected through the Employer / Management

Questionnaire.

Table 3. 3. 1.3 shows that there was a decline in the total staff strength employed

at Goa Shipyard Limited during 1996-2000 and 2001-2005 and that during the

later period, the decline was greater. It also highlights that the decline is caused

by the fall in number of all classes of employees except the Managerial Class

which remained almost stable or had a negligible increase.

Only the Workers at GSL could take up the membership of the unions while the

other forms of labour force had its own associations. With regard to the

membership of GSKS, the union had 457 workers ( i.e 43.24 % of 1057 workers

at Goa Shipyard in 2005 ) as its members. A membership fee of Rs. 60 /- per

annum was charged to those who joined the union. Majority of the members were

skilled workers at Goa Shipyard Limited. All members were male workers. The

members showed little interest in the affairs of the union although the union

encouraged self expression and provided freedom of action.

77

Table 3.3. 1.4 Percentage of Membership to the Total labour force.

Year

1

Total labour force

2

Number of Union members of Goa Shipyard Kamgar

Sangh(GSKS) 3

Total membership of GSKS as

Percentage of Total labour Force

4

Total number

of workers 5

Degree of unionization

6 (3/5 x 100)

1998 1800 150 8.33 1300 11.54 1999 N.A . 528 N.A N.A N.A. 2000 N.A. 469 N.A N.A. N.A.. 2001 1727 501 29.00 1201 39.05 2002 N.A. 621 N.A. N.A. N.A 2003 N.A. 419 N.A. N.A. N.A. 2004 N.A 379 N.A. N A N.A. 2005 1618 457 28.24 1057 43.23

N. B. Figures regarding the labour force and number of workers in this table are approximate and not true figures. Table 3. 3. 1 .4 shows figures from 1998 onwards as GSKS was formed at GSL during this year.

Source: 1. Based on the data collected through the Trade Union Leader and Employer / Management Questionnaire.

Table 3. 3. 1.4 shows that the union membership initially increased but during the

later years decreased, followed by an increase in 2005. The union membership as

percentage to the total labour force showed a growth since its formation. It

increased from 8.33 % of the total staff employed at Goa Shipyard Limited in

1998 to 29 % in 2001, but decreased to 28.24 % in 2005 due to fall in total

labour force as well as in the union membership. Its degree of unionisation had

increased over the years and was 43 % in 2005.

78

GOA SHIPYARD KAMGAR EKVOTT ( GSKE )

The respondents of this study consist of 22 members ( 5% of 434 members in

2005 ), consisting of fitters, carpenters, painters, welders, turners, electricians, gas

cutters etc. Table 3. 3. 1.5 describes the profile of the respondents of this study.

Table 3. 3. 1.5 Age and Sex of the Respondents.

Sr. No. Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Age 1. 35-40 yrs 4 18.2 18.2 2. 41-45 yrs 14 63.6 81.8 3. 46-50 yrs 3 13.6 95.5 4. 51-60 yrs 1 4.55 100.00 5- Total 22 100.00


Age : Min = 35 yrs Max = 52 yrs Mean = 43.36 yrs Std Dev= 4.1 Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 3. 1. 5 shows that over 70 % of the respondents belonged to the age

group of 35 to 45 years and 86 % of the respondents were males. It also shows

that less than 20 % of them were above the age of 45 yrs.

Statistically speaking, the average age of the respondents was 43 yrs while the

minimum age was 35 yrs and the maximum age was 52 yrs and there was 4 %

variation in the age of the respondents.

79

Table 3. 3. 1. 6 Educational Qualifications and Nature of labour of the Respondents

Sr. No. Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Educational Qualification

1. < S.S.0 2 9.1 9.1 2. S.S.0 12 54.5 63.6 3. XI 1 4.5 68.2 4. XII 3 13.6 81.8 5- Graduate 3 13.6 95.5 6. Post Graduate 1 4.5 100.0 7. Total 22 100.00

(B) Nature of labour: 1. Skilled 20 90.9 90.9 2. Un-Skilled 2 9.1 100.00 3. Total 22 100.00


Table 3.3. 1.6 depicts that 63 % of the respondents had < SSC or SSC and 18 %

graduates to Post graduate level of education. It also shows that 90 % of them

had educational qualifications of SSC or more and that same percentage of them

were skilled in nature.


The Goa Shipyard Kamgar Ekvott was the second outcome of the split in Shipyard

Employees' Union - Goa that took place in 1997. The Goa Kamgar Ekvott was

established and registered in 2001 with only 40 workers as its members. It had no

affiliations to any federation .

80

The present Executive Committee consisted of the President, three Vice-Presidents,

the General Secretary, the Assistant Secretary and the Treasurer. The Executive

members were nominated and not elected to the respective posts.

Administration:

The Executive Committee conducted its meetings regularly and functioned

democratically. There were no elections held since its inception. The committee

members were nominated to the respective posts in the union. The union gave

preference to reinstating retrenched workers, job security, redressing individual

grievances and improving welfare measures for the workers. It had neither cordial

nor hostile but normal relations with the management. The union lacked a sound

financial condition and tried to generate funds through its members.

Since its formation, some of its main functions were: pursuing HRA / CCA issue

with the Central Government, getting the management to appoint promotion policy

review committee, participating in rallies of workers, helped local independent

unions to form local federation etc.


The GSKE, claimed to have had a membership consisting of 41.06 % of the total

number of workers employed in 2005 at Goa Shipyard Limited. Also ninety

percent of its present members, were earlier, members of the Shipyard Employees

Union - Goa. The membership was open to all workers and had 434 members

81

during 2005. It charged a membership fee of Rs. 50 /- per annum and also had

female workers as its members.

Table 3. 3. 1.7 Percentage of Membership to the Total Labour Force.

Year

1

Total labour force

2

Number of union members of Goa Shipyard Kamgar Ekvott

(GSKE) 3

Total membership of

GSKE as Percentage of labour force.

4

Total number of Workers.

5

Degree of unionization

6 (3/5 x 100)

2001 1727 40 2.32 1201 3.33 2002 N.A 150 N.A N.A. N.A. 2003 N.A 300 N.A N.A. N.A. 2004 NA 300 N.A N.A. N.A.

2005 1618 434 26.82 1057 41.06 N.B: Figures in this table regarding the total labour force and number of workers

are approximate figures. The figures are from 2001 onwards as GSKE was established at GSL during this year.

Source: Based on the data collected through the Trade Union Leader and Employer / Management Questionnaire.

Table 3. 3. 1. 7 highlights that around 27 % of the total labour force at Goa

Shipyard Limited were enrolled as members of this union and had 41 % degree of

unionization in 2005.


From 1990 to 1997, the Shipyard Employees Union was operating at GSL with

majority of the workers as its members. Discontentment among its members led to

its split and the formation of two new Unions i.e Goa Shipyard Kamgar Ekvott

and Goa Shipyard Kamgar Sangh.. The workers were no more dependent on

outside leadership as they elected its own members to form the executive

82

committee of the union. The unions were not affiliated to any political party nor

had any political involvement.

The unions conducted its meetings regularly with good attendance and active

participation. The unions lacked a sound financial base and the union disposition

towards the management and that of the management towards the union was

indifferent in nature. There was a rise in the union membership for both the

unions and the degree of unionisation for each of the two unions at Goa

Shipyard Limited was between 40 % to 45 % in 2005.

3.4. PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT COLFAX COMPANY LIMITED:

The Colfax Private Limited was incorporated into the C. M. M. Group of

Companies in the year 1964 and was fully operational in 1968 and manufactured

shaving creams and after shave lotions. However in 1994, the C. M. M. Group of

Companies was split into autonomous units of which Colfax Private Limited was

one of them. It used to manufacture and distribute toiletries under the brand name

of " Old Spice " until 1992 but from 1993 onwards it was permitted to only

manufacture the products. It is a small scale unit of manufacturing.

83

3. 4. 1 GROWTH OF TRADE UNIONS AT COLFAX PRIVATE LIMITED:

At Colfax Private Limited, upto 1991, the workers were organized under the All

Goa General Employees' Union affiliated to the Central Indian Trade Union. And

since 1992 the Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh was the only recognized union at this

unit of study.

GOMANTAK MAZDOOR SANGH ( GMS )

This study is based on the 24 respondents ( 50 % of 48 members in 2005 )

selected on the basis of stratified sampling method. The respondents consist of

machine operators, helpers, packers, sweepers, store keeper, electrician and general

attendant.

Table 3.4. 1. 1 Age and Sex of the Respondents.

Sr. No. Items Frequency Percent Cum Percent (A) Age 1. 35-40 yrs 5 20.8 20.8 2. 41-45 yrs 5 20.8 41.7 3. 46-50 yrs 10 41.7 83.3 4. 51-55 yrs 4 16.7 100.0 5. Total 24 100.0


Age: Min = 36 yrs Max = 54 yrs Mean = 45.60 yrs Std. Dev= 5.06 Source: Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 4. 1. 1 shows that 83 % of the respondents were between the age of 35

to 50 years and also 83 % were male workers.

84

Statistically, the average age of the respondents was 45 yrs and there was

variation found in the age. Around 58 % of the respondents were above the

average age. The youngest respondent was 36 yrs of age and the eldest was 54

yrs old.

Table 3. 4. 1.2 Educational Qualifications and Nature of labour of the Respondents

Sr. No. Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Educational Qualification 1. < S.S.C. 9 37.5 37.5 2 S.S.0 12 50.0 87.5 3 XI 2 8.3 95.8 4 XII 1 4.1 100.00 5 Total 24 100.00

(B) Nature of labour 1 Skilled 5 20.8 20.8 2 Un-Skilled 19 79.2 100.0 3 Total 24 100.00


Table 3. 4. 1.2 states that 87 % of the respondents had less than SSC to SSC as

educational qualifications. It also depicts that nearly 40 % of the respondents had

less than SSC as educational qualifications and that 79 % were unskilled workers.

Nearly 65 % had SSC or more as educational qualifications yet only 21 % were

skilled in nature.


Sr. No Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Membership since

1 1992 - 1995 22 91.7 91.7 2 1996-2000 1 4.2 95.8 3 No Response 1 4.2 100.00 4 Total 24 100.0

(B) Marital Status 1. Single 2 8.3 8.3 2. Married 22 91.7 100.00 3. Total 24 100.0

Source: Based on the Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

From Table 3. 4. 1. 3 it is obvious that 91 % were its members since the year of

its formation and an equivalent percent were married .


In 1992, there was a local trade union committee appointed which was affiliated

to a general union, the Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh which is the only recognized

union at Colfax Private Limited. The local committee was elected for a period of

three years. The committee consisted of President, Treasurer and the Secretary. The

committee was associated with the General Secretary affiliated to the Bharatiya

- Mazdoor Sangh.

Administration:

The union functioned through the local trade union committee. This committee

tried to solve the petty grievances themselves and in serious matters like signing

wage agreement, fighting cases in the labour court or defending members in legal

86

matters is where the General Secretary was involved. The committee kept the union

informed about the difficulties at the shop floor level so that it can act

immediately.

The union priorities consisted of the Charter of Demands which included basic

wage, grades, promotion, revision of scales, allowances, dearness allowance,

educational allowance etc.

The Executive committee was elected regularly every three years during the

general body meeting. The contest for union election was moderate. Inter union

rivalry was absent and the union management relations were cordial. The union

followed a democratic grievance handling procedure. Although the union executive

was very small, there was active participation of its members as it was of

importance for decision making at the meetings.


The worker class at Colfax Private Limited was classified as follows:

( i ) Machine operators as Special Grade, First Grade and Second Grade workers.

(ii) Helpers and packers as Third Grade workers.

(iii) Sweepers as Fourth Grade workers and

( iv) General Attendants.

The figures in Table 3. 4. 1. 4 show that even though the union membership

showed a decline, 100 % degree of unionisation was prevalent every year. It

87

highlights that the total workers at Colfax were organized under one union,

Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh.

Table 3. 4. 1.4 Membership as percentage of Total labour force during 1991-2005.

Year

1

Total labour force

2

Number of Union

members of Gomantak Mazdoor

Sangh (GMS) 3

Total membership of GMS as Percentage

of Total labour Force

4

Total number of workers

5

Degree of unionization.

6 ( 3/5 x 100 )

1992 94 86 91.48 86 100.00 1993 94 86 91.48 86 100.00 1994 94 86 91.48 86 100.00 1995 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 1996 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 1997 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 1998 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 1999 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 2000 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 2001 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 2002 96 86 89.58 86 100.00 2003 63 52 82.54 52 100.00 2004 63 52 82.54 52 100.00 2005 59 48 81.35 48 100.00

Source: Based on the data collected through Trade Union Leader Questionnaire.

3. 4. 2. MAIN FINDINGS:

Upto 1991, the Workers at the Colfax Private Limited were affiliated to the

Central Indian Trade Union ( CITU ) and the Goa Mazdoor Sangh was established

at Colfax in 1992. The Executive Committee of the union was elected every three

years and was very small in size. The union was affiliated to an industrial union

and the apex union showed interest in the union functioning.

88

The union had cordial relations with the management. There was an absence of

inter-union rivalry due to workers unanimous decision to be members of a single

union. There was a decline in membership due to decline in the workers

employed during the later years. This was the only unit of study which had

100 % degree of unionization.

3.5 PROFILE OF TRADE UNIONS AT CIBA SPECIALTY CHEMICALS

( INDIA) LIMITED:

Hindustan Ciba Geigy Limited ( HCGL ) was established in Goa in 1971. It was

run by a Swiss Company Ciba. It had three divisions namely Agro, Pharma and

Specialty Chemicals. In 1997, HCGL merged with Sandoz to form Novartis

Pharma. In 2000, Specialty Chemicals ceased to be a part of it and functioned

as a new company and called itself Ciba Specialty Chemicals ( India ) Limited.

Its principal products consist of antioxidants, optical brightners and textile

chemicals.

89

3. 5. 1 GROWTH OF TRADE UNIONS AT CIBA SPECIALTY CHEMICALS

(INDIA) LIMITED:

Hindustan Ciba Geigy Employees' Union was the only union functioning at

HCGL until December 1992 when Kamgar Sangh took over. However after the

strike and formation of Ciba Specialty as a separate company, Kamgar Sangh was

no more recognized by the management and so majority of the workers formed

Kamgarancho Ekvott in 2000 and was the only recognized union .

KAMGARANCHO EKVOTT ( K E )

Altogether 14 members of this union ( 50 % of 28 in 2005 ) were selected

through stratified sampling method as respondents for the study. They were

employed as process attendants, store attendants, fork lift drivers, fitters, process

technicians and packers.

Table 3. 5. 1. 1 Age and Sex of the Respondents.

Sr No Items Frequency Percent Cum.Percent (A) Age 1. 41 -45yrs 1 7.1 7.1 2. 46-50yrs 6 42.9 50.0 3 51-55yrs 4 28.6 78.6 4. 56-60yrs 3 21.4 100.0 5. Total 14 100.00

(B) Sex 1. Males 14 100.00 100.00 2. Females 0 0.00 3. Total 14 100.00

Age: Min = 43 yrs Max = 58 yrs Mean = 51.36 yrs Std.Dev = 4.25 Source: Based on primary data collected through worker's questionnaires.

90

Table 3. 5. 1. 1 clearly shows that majority of the respondents had crossed 45

years of age and that they were all males only.

Statistically, the minimum age of the respondents was 43 yrs while the maximum

age was 58 yrs. Also the average age of the respondents was 51 yrs and showed

4 % variation in the age of the respondents.

Table 3. 5. 1. 2 Educational Qualifications and Nature of labour of the Respondents.

Sr.No Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Educational Qualification

1. Illiterate 1 7.1 7.1 2. <SSC 9 643 71.4 3. SSC 1 7.1 78.6 4. XI 1 7.1 92.9 5. XII 2 14.3 100.00 6. Total 14 100.00

(B) Nature of labour 1. Skilled 9 64.3 64.3 2. Semi-Skilled 5 35.7 100.00 3. Total 14 100.00

Source Based on Primary data collected through workers' questionnaires.

Table 3. 5. 1. 2 highlights that although 64.3 % of the workers had educational

qualifications of less than SSC, same percentage of workers were skilled and

there were no unskilled workers employed.

91


Sr.No. Items Frequency Percent Cum. Percent (A) Membership

1 Before 1990 3 21.7 21.4 2. 1991-2000 10 71.4 92.4 3. 2001 onwards 1 7.14 100.0 4. Total 14 100.00

(B) Marital Status 1. Married 14 100.00 2. Single 0 0.00 3. Total 14 100.00


Table 3. 5. 1.3 signifies that the workers at Ciba were organized before 1990s. It

also clarifies that 3 members ( 21 %) were earlier members of Hindustan Ciba

Geigy Employees' Union and 10 members ( 92 %) belonged to Kamgar Sangh

before joining Kamgarancho Ekvott in 2001. It also shows that all were married

and that no worker was single.


Upto December 1992, the workers were organized under Hindustan Ciba Geigy

Employees' Union which was an internal union in nature. However during

settlements between the management and the workers, that is every three years,

the union had to seek external assistance to bargain on their behalf. As a result,

in December 1992 they unanimously decided to join Kamgar Sabha under the

leadership of Mr. J. R. Mehta. On 10 th May 1993 he submitted a charter of

demands in which he proposed for a Rs.1500/- hike in each workers salary.

92

However during its next meeting on 8 th October 1993, he modified his demand to

Rs. 2000/- while the management agreed to give Rs.900 increment per worker.

During the third meeting on 26 th October 1993, Mr. Mehta staged a walk-out as

both the parties maintained their earlier stands. This led to the beginning of the

agitation in the Company. As a result, the management offered to negotiate, but

when the union leader was not ready to compromise and the agitation continued

for two months the management finally called a lockout from 14 th January 1994

to 30th October 1994 followed by a strike from 31 October 1994 to 25 th October

1995. Inspite of the lockout, the company made profits as its parent company

sent the necessary aid in terms of raw materials and it outsourced its packaging.

Also the strike failed to bring any positive results and this increased the

frustration among workers. By the end of 1995, the workers gave up the union

and agreed to work at the old wage settlement. This forced calling off the strike.

The workers then formed its own union Kamgarancho Ekvott in 2000. Its

present executive committee consisted of the President, the Treasurer and the

Secretary. This local union was affiliated to the Industrial Union.

Administration:

The Union Executive was medium in size, met frequently and had good

attendance for its meetings. It functioned democratically, was actively involved in

decision making and possessed a somewhat flexible union constitution. Although

93

the union encouraged self expression and freedom among members, they showed

little personal interest in the affairs of the union .

The union always decided by majority and with the approval of those affected. It

also gave considerable freedom to its members to express opposing views if any.

Since its inception, its major functions consisted of settlement of Charter of

Demands, provision of guidance and advice on employment conditions, wage

negotiations and settlement.

The union is free from union rivalry and also does not have any political

affiliation.


The personnel consisted of Managerial, Supervisory and Working Class .

Table 3. 5. 1.4 Classification of Employees according to the Employment Status

Year Managerial / Supervisory Workers Casual Labour Total 1991 80 750 - 830 1996 80 530 - 610 2000 74 220 - 294 2001 74 120 - 194 2002 74 47 99 219 2003 74 47 65 185 2004 74 47 100 220 2005 74 47 76 196 N. B. Table contains approximate figures. Source: Based on the primary data collected through Employer / Management /

Trade Union Leader Questionnaire.

In the Table 3. 5. 1. 4. one finds that initially when all the three divisions

functioned together, the size of the total staff was very large. In 1996,

94

Voluntary Retirement Scheme ( VRS) was introduced as a result of which around

110 workers opted for the same. Since 2000 onwards, the figures stand for the

total staff strength of Ciba Specialty Chemicals only. Heavy job cuts after the

strike reduced the employment further, followed by introduction of VRS for the

second time in 2001. The fluctuations in the total staff strength from 2002 was

mainly due to the increase or decrease in the size of contract labour employed by

the company.

The Kamgarancho Ekvott charged membership fee of Rs. 20/- per month to its

members.

Table 3. 5. 1.5 Membership as percentage of Total Labour Force.

Year

Total Labour Force

Number of union

members of Kamgarancho Ekvott (KE)

Total Membership

of KE as Percentage of labour

force

Total number of workers

Degree of Unionisation

2000 294 187 63.60 220 85.00 2001 194 81 41.75 120 67.50 2002 219 28 12.78 47 59.57 2003 185 28 15.13 47 59.57 2004 220 28 12.72 47 59.57 2005 196 28 14.28 47 59.57

N. B. The figures are shown from 2000 onwards in the Table 3. 5. 2. 5 as KE was formed at Ciba during this year. Source: Based on Primary data collected through interviews with the union leader and Employer Questionnaire.

Table 3. 5. 1. 5 brings to light that the Total Staff strength fluctuated and that the

total number of workers initially declined but since 2002 has remained constant..

A similar trend was seen regarding membership of Kamgarancho Ekvott . Use of

95

Casual labour led to the drastic decline in number of permanent workers and in

the membership of the union.

It was also noticed that the degree of unionisation dropped from over 80 % to

around 60 % during the later years .


Upto December 1992, the workers were organized under Hindustan Ciba Geigy

Employees' Union which was an internal union in nature. By the end of

December 1992 the workers joined Kamgar Sangh. However the workers were

dissatisfied and so they left the union in 1995 to join the presently recognized

union in 2000. The Kamgarancho Ekvott was the only recognized union after the

major dispute at Ciba. It was a union with internal leadership along with external

assistance. The leadership changed during settlement every four years. It had a

high degree of unionization compared to the unrecognized union .

3.6 COMPARISON OF TRADE UNION PROFILE:

(i) The recognized unions at MPT, were established between 1960 and 1980,

while those at GSL and Ciba between 1995 and 2005 and at Colfax between

1990 to 1995.

(ii) Unions at MPT were affiliated to Hind Mazdoor Sabha, there was absence of

affiliation of one of the unions at GSL and that at Colfax was affiliated to Bharatiya

96

Mazdoor Sangh. The local union at Ciba was also affiliated to an Industrial

union.

(iii) At MPT, one of the unions was headed by its Trustees, who were workers

earlier; while at GSL, workers themselves were the leaders and at Colfax and

Ciba, their General Secretary belonged to a general union.

(iv) Members of all the unions except Ciba agreed that the most important reason

for joining the union was to ventilate individual grievances. However the next

important reason was job security for the members at MPT, to obtain better

welfare facilities at GSL and high wages and job security at Colfax. However at

Ciba, the main reason was to ventilate grievances along with job security as

shown in Table 3. 6. 1

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Table 3.6.1 Reasons for joining the union:

Sr. No Reasons

Mormugao Port Trust.

No %age

Goa Shipyard Limited

No %age No

Colfax Private Limited

%age

Ciba Special- ty Chemicals

(India)Limited No %age

1. To secure higher wages 2 1.58 4 8.89 0 0.00 0 0.00

2. To ventilate individual grievances.

54 42.52 21 46.67 10 41.67 3 21.43

3. To fight for job security. 10 7.87 4 8.89 0 0.00 1 7.14

4. To get better welfare facilities. 10 7.87 5 11.11 0 0.00 0 0.00

5. 1& 2 4 3.15 4 8.89 0 0.00 1 7.14 6. 1& 3 2 1.58 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 7. 1& 4 3 2.36 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 8. 2 & 3 11 8.66 3 6.67 6 25.00 5 35.72 9. 2& 4 3 2.36 2 4.44 0 0.00 0 0.00 10. 3& 4 7 5.51 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 11. 1 , 2 & 3 3 2.36 0 0.00 6 25.00 0 0.00 12. 1, 2, & 4. 3 2.36 0 0.00 1 4.16 0 0.00 13. 1, 2 , 3 & 4 8 6.30 0 0.00 1 4.16 2 14.29 14. 1, 3& 4 2 1.58 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 7.14 15. 2, 3& 4 4 3.15 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 16. No Response 1 0.79 2 4.44 0 0.00 1 7.14 17. Total 127 100.00 45 100.00 24 100.00 14 100.00

Source : Based on the Pnmary data collected through Workers' Questionnaires.

(v) Of the total labour force, the Mormugao Port & Railway Worker's Union

( MPRWU ) & the Goa Port & Dock Employees Union ( GPDEU ) at MPT had a

greater percentage of union membership ( i.e over 70 %) during 1991, while that of

Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh ( GMS ) at Colfax Private Limited and Kamgarancho

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Ekvott ( KE ) at Ciba had a higher percentage of membership during 2001 and in

2005 in comparison to the unions at MPT and the Goa Shipyard Kamgar Sangh

( GSKS ) and Goa Shipyard Kamgar Ekvott ( GSKE ) at GSL as shown in the

Chart 3.6.i .

Union Membership as Percentage of Total Labour Force

100

80

60

40

20

■ MPRWU

■ GPDEU

O GSKS

GSKE

• GM S

▪ KE

1991

2001

2005

Chart 3.6.a

(vi) Only Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh enjoyed hundred percent degree of unionisation

since its establishment at Colfax Private Limited.

3.7 CONCLUSIONS:

From the findings in this chapter, following conclusions can be drawn:

1. Industrialisation forms the basis of evolution of trade union movement in an

economy.

2. Although there were more unions registered before liberalisation, the rate of

growth of trade unions in Goa was greater during post liberalisation.

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3. Each union pursued a different set of priorities.

5. After liberalisation, there was a decline in the membership of Unions.

6. There was inter-union rivalry as there was more than one recognized union.

7. The unions differed in the degree of unionisation.

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