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Discard archaic labour laws: experts

The present labour laws are highly inappropriate and archaic and are irrelevant in this era of liberalisation. Experts say there is need for reviewing labour laws and institutions and making concerted efforts to align labour policies with industrial strategies.

The experts were participating in a three-day national seminar on 'Industrial relations -- agenda for change.' In all, 70 experts including labour leaders, public sector executives and academics, attended the seminar. International Labour Organisation officials also participated in the event.

Briefing the media on the outcome of the seminar, Dr C S Venkata Ratnam of the International Management Institute said workforce institutions capable of internalising enforcement of labour standards and government regulations should be created.

The seminar said the recommendation of the National Commission on Labour concerning the creation of autonomous industrial relations commission at the national and state level must be acted upon with a sense of urgency.

Workforce adjustment through retrenchment or voluntary separations should be the last resort and, before resorting to such measures, due opportunity be given to trade unions by sharing information and consideration of alternative proposals, the experts said.

UNI