Indian Public Sector Trade Unionism in Context

Gujarat and West Bengal Compared

Bibliographic Data

ID3986326
AuthorsDavid Beale, David J Beale (0000-0002-9948-9197, University of Manchester), Ernesto Noronha (0000-0002-9820-3011, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad)
Year2015
Volume45
Issue1
Pages113-138
Publication date2015-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Contemporary Asia (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-2336 • E-ISSN: 1752-7554
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00472336.2014.903990
OpenAlexW1980350730
LanguageEN
References cited21

Using qualitative research methods and comparing two Indian states (Gujarat and West Bengal), the authors examine the relative power and influence of trade unions in three parts of the public sector, viz., state government employment, municipal bus and tram services, and telecommunications. The distinctive methodology and the findings emphasise the importance of caution in generalising about trade unionism and industrial relations in India as a whole; and indicate that the context of particular Indian states is a vital ingredient of trade union analysis. The authors identify a complex web of explanatory factors for the relative power and influence of the unions under study, within the distinctive political, economic and historical contexts of Gujarat and West Bengal. Thus, they demonstrate the largely untapped potential for primary, qualitative and comparative research to expand our understanding of industrial relations in India

BENGAL · Context (archaeology · Economics · Economy · Geography · Government (linguistics · International trade · Political science · Politics · Power (physics · Public sector · Socioeconomics · State (computer science · Trade union · West bengal · Indian Economic and Social Development · International Labor and Employment Law · Labor Movements and Unions · Law