Which of the following are settlement machineries of industrial disputes under Industrial Disputes Act, 1947?

A. Works Committee
B. Collective Bargaining
C. Conciliation
D. Adjudication
E. Voluntary Arbitration

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the following mechanisms are recognized for resolving industrial disputes:

1. Works Committee (A): A statutory body consisting of representatives from both employers and workers to promote measures for securing and preserving good relations between the two.
2. Conciliation (C): A method where a third party (Conciliation Officer or Board of Conciliation) mediates between the disputing parties to bring about a settlement.
3. Adjudication (D): If conciliation fails, disputes are referred to adjudication authorities like Labor Courts, Industrial Tribunals, or National Tribunals for binding decisions.
4. Voluntary Arbitration (E): Disputes are referred to an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by both parties for a non-binding decision.

Information Booster:

The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 aims to provide a framework for peaceful settlement of industrial disputes and protect the interests of workers and employers. The statutory mechanisms like Works Committees and adjudication emphasize harmonious industrial relations, while voluntary arbitration promotes mutually agreed resolutions. Conciliation is often the first step before escalating disputes to higher authorities.

Additional Knowledge:

​Collective Bargaining (B) is a process of negotiation between employers and workers; however, it is not specifically mentioned as a statutory machinery under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. It is a recognized means for negotiating terms of employment but lacks formal codification in the Act.​