The recent settlement that has been reached, ending the ‘stalemate’ and the ‘stand-off’ between the management of Jet Airways and the pilots’ union highlights the perils faced by mute Industrial Disputes Act. The Jet Airways’ management reaching a meeting point with the union is only a patchwork. It is not to be construed as a total or permanent solution. In a country like India, which trumpets its democracy in a crescendo, one cannot fathom any logic of the management standing up against the formation of a union.
In advanced industrial countries like Germany, staff and labour union demands can never be brushed aside. Even minimum wages revision undergoes several discussions between the management and the unions, without obstructing the day-to-day official chores. Disruption of essential services is unheard of. Public inconvenience is never undermined.
Ashok Jayaram, Bangalore
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