JOINT CONSULTATION SYSTEM
The historical Event – 1956 agreement
The Preamble
It was believed that the closer association of the workers with Management in the working of industry would help :
a) In promoting increased productivity for the general benefit of the enterprise, the employees and the country.
b) In giving employees a better understanding of their role and importance in the working of the industry and in the process of production.
c) In satisfying their urge for self-expression
Hence another Supplemental Agreement Signed on 4.8.1956
The 23 point Supplemental Agreement covers preamble, names and details of the joint committees and a proposal to introduce the three tier system of JDC, JWC and JCCM
Main features
1. Equal Membership from Management and Union side as per their constitution
2. The Management Representative are nominated by the Management and Employee Representatives are nominated by the Tata Workers Union
3. Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship rotates every year between Management and Union Representatives
4. All matters pertaining to collective bargaining issues, individual issues and matter pending for adjudication are out of purview of this system
Functions
Joint Consultative Council of Management
It formulates policies related to production, productivity, Training, Safety, Security etc. It holds one meeting on every 3 months.
Sub Committees of Joint Consultative Council of Management:
1. Sports Coordination Advisory Committee
2. Joint Works Quality Committee
3. Hospital Advisory Committee
4. Joint Works Council
5.Employees Training & Development
6. CD & SW Advisory Committee
7. Joint Amenities Committee
Joint Works Council
To study operational results and issues relating to production in the department.
Improvement in production, productivity and discipline.
Reducing wastage, improving quality, promoting measures relating to safety and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Making suggestions for welfare of employees and promotion of employee welfare and sports.
To monitor implementation of JDC’s recommendations approved by the Management.
To refer any issue to Joint Consultative Council of Management for consideration or advice.
To give suggestions on any issue referred by Joint Departmental Council or Joint Consultative Council of Management.
To prepare action-plan for and guide following committees:
1. Central Canteen Managing Committee
2. Suggestion Box Committee
Joint Departmental Council
• To study operation results and current and long term departmental production problems.
• To advise on steps necessary at departmental level to
– Promote and rationalise production,
– improve method, lay out and processes,
– Improve productivity and discipline, eliminate waste,
– Effect economies with a view to lowering cost, eliminate defective work and improve the quality of products,
– Improve the upkeep and care of machinery, tools and instruments.
– Promote the efficient use of safety precautions and devices,
– Promote employees well being and satisfaction
– Encourage suggestions, encourage creativity,
– Provide safe & healthy work environment
– Adopt changes for the better functioning of the department, aligning its activities with the KPM / Score card of the Business-Council and towards the thrust areas of the Company
– To implement the recommendations or decisions of Joint Consultative Council of Management or Joint Works Council, approved by the Management.
– To refer, where necessary, any matter to Joint Works Council for their consideration or advice
Limitations of functions
Problems of planning, Works development and management of the Plant in their wider sense and matter falling within the sphere of Union relations or collective bargaining such as wages, allowances, bonus, hours of work, leave, retirement benefits and the like which are covered by the trade union or by reports of Conciliation Boards or awards of Industrial Tribunals or Courts or questions which are normally dealt with by the approved machinery for negotiation, shall be outside the scope of the Council.
The council shall have an advisory Status