Ba7034 - Industrial Relations & Labour Welfare

VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

BA7034 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS & LABOUR WELFARE QUESTION BANK
Year and Semester

Subject Code and Name
Faculty Name
II YEAR III SEMESTER (ODD)

BA7034 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS & LABOUR WELFARE
Mr.S.RAJA , Asst.Professor
Q.No
Unit - I - Part - A - Question
Level
Define industrial relations
BTL 1
Will you state two conditions for good Industrial Relations?
BTL 2
How would you organize the objectives of I.R?
BTL 3
Can you list the factors influencing I.R?
BTL 4
What are the features of Industrial Relations?
BTL 5
Interpret the actors in I.R.
BTL 6
Define Trade union
BTL 1
Will you state some names of central trade unions in India
BTL 2
How would you show your understanding of importance of trade unions?
BTL 3
10
Why do you think employees have to join trade unions?
BTL 4
11
12
13
14
15
How trade unions are classified
BTL 5
Interpret the any two functions of trade union
BTL 6
What are the goals of trade unions?
BTL 1
Define ILO
BTL 1
Define code of conduct
BTL 1
16
Will you state two objectives of code of conduct?
BTL 2
17
Identify the factors guiding codes of conduct
BTL 3
18
What are the features of code of conduct?
BTL 4
19
How code of conduct is essential?
BTL 1
20
Interpret the limitations of code of conduct
BTL 2
Prepared by Mr.S.Raja, Asst. Professor, DOMS VEC

Q.No
I.
1
2
II.
II.
I.
II.
I.
5
6
List the consequences of industrial relations problems (6)
Can you explain the importance of industrial relations in the era of liberalization
I.
Unit - I - Part - B - Question

What are the causes of industrial relations problems in the public sectors in India? (7)
II.
Level
BTL 1
BTL 2
Can you explain the present status of I.R in India (10)

BTL 3
Summarize the determinants of I.R (3)

List out the functions of I.R (7)
BTL 4
List the objectives of I.R (6)

Elaborate the role of trade union in maintain industrial peace
Do you think industrial relations necessary?
What is your opinion about trade union movement in India
BTL 5
BTL 6
Can you list

7
I.
II.
8
9
10
12
13
(6)
BTL 2
What approach would you use to strengthen trade union movement in India?
How would you classify the functions of trade unions?
II.
Elaborate the concept, features and objectives of code of conduct (11)
Trade union is a voluntary organisation. Examine
II.
BTL 3
BTL 4
What is code of conduct? (2)
How would you summarize the contents of code of conduct?
I.
14
Problems of trade unions
BTL 1
Illustrate the various types of trade unions
I.
11
Importance of trade unions (7)
BTL 1
BTL 2
BTL 4
State the objectives of code of conduct (2)

Can you list out the guidelines for developing codes of conduct (11)
BTL 1

Part-C
Case study:
1. Profit Sharing and Organizational Progress
PP Ltd. is a profit-making firm. To retain its status in the market, the management stressed and monitored
quality and productivity from the initial stage itself. An individual incentive scheme has been in place for 20
years. During the last decade, the company had to launch new products thanks to the proliferation of electronic
systems. The new product entailed additional investments in machineries and on additional manpower. The new
comers were raw hands requiring training at extra cost. During the year, due to heavy investment on the new
project, the interest charges and depreciation completely wiped out the profit. This means only the statutory
minimum bonus of 8.33% of surplus was to be offered as against the usual 20% that the workers are used to
receive in the last several years. The management needs to ensure maximum cooperation from employees to
maximize productivity.
There was a dispute that bonus payment is finance oriented and it does not necessarily reflect the
productivity of the employees. The personnel officer felt that if payments were based on the Bonus Act, it would
deprive and demotivate employees during a crucial period.
Questions
1. Do you agree with the personnel officer? (7)
2. Arrive at the settlement considering the conflicting ideas of productivity-linked and profit-sharing bases
of bonus? (8)
Case study:
2. Unionism in public services like State Police Force is a hot topic being discussed and debated in India
recently. Some of the state Govts Have also encouraged and introduced Unionism in their police force. It has
mixed result. Other public services like telecom, Transport and fire services have unions. There were pros and
cons of unionism in public services, some of them are given below:
1. Antagonist: Public services are arteries of public welfare life. Unionism and collective bargaining go against
public interest.
2. Protagonists: Lack of unionism in public services creates a second class citizenship. Fight against enjoy their
rights to protect their interest; employment in public services cannot be a justification of denying this fundamental
right to them.
Questions:
1. What is your stand on unionism in public services? Justify your stand with reasons with social and
psychological aspects. (7)

2. Do you think unionism be introduced in all public services in the same manner as that of private sector?
If not, how does it be tailor made to make it more effective and at the same time minimize the
inconvenience to the public life? (8)
Case study:
3. Given below is a new excerpt on the riot in the Ceramic Factory in Yanam (near Kakinada in Andhra
Pradesh), a small town under the Union territory of Pondicherry but located far away from the Administration
Headquarters. The denial of the factory management to accept the formation of a trade union is said to be initial
cause of the riot. A strike was announced by the workers and the police interference followed with lati charge
resulted in the death of the Union leader. As the tension mounted up, the angry workers collected into a mob and
killed a high level official of the factory management. The following is a news report on the incident:
What was the provocation for the mayhem at Regency Ceramics Limited factory which led to large-scale
destruction and loss of two lives? A combination of political rivalry and irreconcilable differences between the
management and the union as also politics of caste and police highhandedness besides the role of vested interests
has caused this anarchy in this peaceful Union Territory of Puducherry town, landlocked in East Godavari district.
According to sources, the management of Regency, which is a pioneer in ceramic tiles with an annual
turnover of Rs 20,678 lakh, was reluctant to entertain any union activity. This caused a lot of heartburn among
the workers and employees. The immediate trigger for the violence was the transfer and suspension of some
leaders of the union last January.
Questions:
1. What is the real problem and who could have stopped it? (7)
2. How much the interference of Politics and Police is important or unhealthy to the Industry and trade unions?
(8)
Case study:
4. The personnel office of Prashant chemicals Limited informed the middle managers through a circular
that a group of consultants would be calling on them later in the week to provide training on team building. The
consultants would be emphasizing on how to develop team work and to build inter group relationships throughout
the company. The information also contained the approach to be adopted by the consultants and explained the
five steps process of team buildings: problem sensing, examining differences, giving and receiving feedback,
developing interactive skills, and follow up actions. The circular also included a note on the utility of team
building in organizational effectiveness.
On receiving the circular, middle managers felt tense as they thought teambuilding as an exercise
involving a lot of hocus-pocus as they thought team sensitivity training exercises in which participants used to
attack each other and let out their aggression by heaping abuse on those disliked. Therefore, the managers felt
that the consultants were not needed for team building. One of the managers commented, now that we understand
what is involved in team building, we can go ahead and conduct session ourselves .All we have to do is to choose
a manager who is liked by everyone and put him in the role of change agent/consultant. After all, you really do
4

not need high-priced consultants to do this team building stuff. You just have to have a good feel for human
factor.
The other managers generally agreed. However, the corporate personnel director turned down their
suggestions and proceeded with his original programmed of hiring consultants.
Questions:
1. Why did middle managers show resistance to team building approach of organization
development?
(5)
2. Do you think the managers had accurate view of team building concept and role of
external consultant in that? (5)
3. Did corporate personnel office sell the concept of team building and its usefulness
properly to middle managers? What actions that the department has taken? (5)
Unit - II - Part - A Question
Q.No
1
2
3
4
Define Industrial conflict
Level
BTL 1
What you can say about industrial disputes?
BTL 2
Identify the importance of industrial disputes
BTL 3
Classify the reasons for industrial disputes
BTL 4
How would you show your understanding about strikes?
BTL 5
Interpret the main criteria about lock outs
BTL 6
Define arbitration
BTL 1
Outline the preventive machinery for industrial disputes
BTL 2
How would you show your understanding of negotiation?
BTL 3
10
Define mediation
BTL 4
11
Define negotiation and mediation
BTL 5
12
Interpret the importance of collective bargaining
BTL 6
13
What example can you state for negotiations?
BTL 1
14
Classify the types of collective bargaining
BTL 2
15
List the stages in conciliation
BTL 3
16
What are the features of collective Bargaining?
BTL 4
17
Define conciliation
BTL 1
5

18
Compare arbitration and adjudication
BTL 2
19
Define industrial peace
BTL 1
20
What is labour court?
BTL 1
Unit - II - Part - B Question

i)What is the importance of industrial peace? (2)
Q.No
1
ii) What are the causes and impact of industrial disputes? (11)
I.
II.
Level
BTL 1
Can you explain the government machinery for prevention of industrial disputes? (7)
Outline the internal machineries to solve industrial disputes (6)
BTL 2
How would you use the process of negotiation?
BTL 3
What are the types of Negotiations?
BTL 4
Can you elaborate the mediation process?
BTL 5
What is your opinion about roles of mediator?
BTL 6
I.
7
8
II.
10
II.
12
II.
13
II.
I.
14
Suggest the measures to make conciliation machinery effective. (7)
II.
BTL 2
BTL 3
BTL 4
Define Grievance (2)

Can you list the types of arbitration process (11)
How would you compare the conciliation, arbitration with adjudication procedure?
I.
BTL 1
How would you show your understanding of conciliation? (6)
What are the weaknesses of conciliation machinery in settling the industrial disputes?
I.
11
Explain the policies, concepts, process and strategies of collective Bargaining (11)
How would you summarize the importance of collective Bargaining?

I.
What is collective Bargaining? (2)
BTL 1
BTL 2
What are the measures for maintaining industrial peace? (6)

BTL 4
What are the causes of indisciple? (7)

What is adjudication?
Give a brief idea of adjudication machineries to settle disputes (11)
6
BTL 1

Part-C Case study:

1. But Ms.Richa, this isnt fair Im away from the conveyor belt for five minutes and yourre going to suspend me
for two weeks? Aw, come on, Ms.Richalisten, replied Richa, you know the rules, Kiran no one is allowed to
leave their work station without permission from their supervisor. Im your supervisor and you left your job without
permission. And dont give me that five minutes crap. I glanced at my watch when you left it was 10.20. You
came back at 10.40
Thats not right, Ms. Richa, retorted Kiran.I had to check with my daughters nursery school. Shes been sick
for the past few days. I was away less than five minutes without getting permission. This just isnt fair. Ive been
here for two years and I know I didnt do anything wrong.
look Kiran. Thats the whole problem around here. I may have only been a supervisor for a few months, but Im
not stupid. People around here get away with murder. You break the rules and your boss looks the other way. Well,
no more were going to shape up this department
But why me, Ms.Richa? You know I need this job. I just cant afford two weeks without pay, explained Kiran.
well, thats too bad. You should have thought about that before you broke the rule. No, Kiran. You knew the rules
around here. You left your work station without permission. The dismissal stands.
Questions:
1. Has Richa treated Kiran fairly? (3)
2. Comment on Richas disciplinary action with earlier rules (4)
3. How would you have handled this situation? (4)
4. Reflect upon the legality of the action taken? (4)
Case study:
2. In one state, the chief minister was invited to the annual conference of union where union elections were also
scheduled. The chief minister inaugurated the conference and observed as follows; I propose that you elect
Mr.XYZ as your president and the president in turn elect his team. Before the members could understand the
significance of what the chief minister had said there was a big round of applause from the audience- presumably
orchestrated by supporters of the chief ministers nominee for president ship of the union. Before anyone could
say anything, quite a few queued up and began to garland Mr.XYZ. Mr.XYZ then rose and announced the names
of his nominees. The elections concluded.
Those who were elected were happy about the smooth and cordial manner in which the elections had been
held. Referring to two cases in the recent past neighbouring factories, they said, in one the rival unions spent a lot
of money in elections. From where had the money come? Would the ones who had spent so much money not
want to recover it in one form or another? Another elected person was talking about how management
manipulated the elections to have a company union. Some of the people who had aspired to contest the elections
were dismayed but could not do much because of the atmosphere in which the whole thing had happened.
Questions:
1. Comment on the case and the divergent viewpoints/perceptions of those who won the elections without
contesting and those who wanted to contest but could not (5)
7

2. Discuss the problem of trade union democracy (5)

3. What suggestions do you have to make trade unions truly for the members, of the members, and by the
members? (5)
Case study:
3. Wage and reward system - Grass cutter vs gas cutter
In a public sector undertaking with a chequered past, a line manager was appointed as the chief of
personnel. Within a year of taking up the assignment, he had to sign a wage agreement with the workers union.
The union at the time was dominated by non-technical staff. The unions charter of demands favoured the interest
of its dominant member groups. It asked for a significant revision in the gardeners pay, was not equally vocal in
pressing for increase in the pay scales of workers in certain technical grades. The management conceded these
demands because the union cooperated with them in keeping the burden of the pay revision well within the
guidelines of the Bureau of public enterprises (BPE). Once the agreement was signed and communicated to the
employees/members by the management and the respectively, there was commotion among the technical staff.
They walked out of the union, formed a separate technical staff holding placards which read, here grass cutters
get more than the gas cutters. In that engineering assembly unit, till the pay revision occurred, wedding was a
highly rated job- now gardeners get than welders
Question:
1. What will happen if grass cutters get more than gas cutters? (5)
2. Evaluate the pros and cons of the approach of both the management and union in this incident (5)
3. List the lessons learnt. Suggest a way out for the problem on the hand (5)
Case study:
4. Grievances and disciple handling
Coolers as basins
EGL is a professionally managed company with a fair record of labour management relations. Its
headquarters are located in Nehru place, New Delhi. Its houses about 500 employees in three floors One day, a
senior manager in the human resources department observed that a few woman employees were washing their
hands after lunch at the water cooler in the third floor. The manager immediately reported the matter to his
supervisor, who got a notice, put up and circulated it to all employees. It reads as follows
It was observed that some employees are washing their hands at the water cooler. Water coolers are
dispensing drinking water. They are not meant for cleaning hands and utensils. Appropriate action will be taken
against any one seen washing their hands/ utensils at the water coolers.
The same evening a few employees barged into the concerned officers room and told him, with no wash
rooms and washing basins in the third floor and no lift in the building, what else do you expect us to do? Use the
stationary? Over the next two days, more and more people started making liberal use of the water cooler for the
8

purpose of washing their hands and even utensils. The subject was discussed over the next few days with passion,
animation and animosity.
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Is the case above one of grievance or of indiscipline? (3)

What is the root cause of the problem? What is the solution? (3)
What are the rights of a charge- sheeted employee? (3)
What is meant by the principle of natural justice? (3)
Can the presenting officer in domestic enquiry be a witness? (3)
Unit - III - Part - A Question
Q.No
Level
Define labour welfare
BTL 1
Will you state the objectives of labour welfare funds?
BTL 2
Identify the role of statutory welfare measures
BTL 3
Categorize benefits of labour welfare
BTL 4
What are the characteristics of labour welfare?
BTL 5
Interpret the importance of labour welfare activities
BTL 6
What is the concept of labour welfare officer in Indian industry?
BTL 1
Classify the duties of labour welfare officer
BTL 2
How would you list out the characteristics of workers education?
BTL 3
10
What are the objectives of labour welfare funds?
BTL 4
11
12
13
How education schemes are helpful for workers?

Justify the why the workers education is needed?
Define workers education
BTL 5
BTL 6
BTL 1
14
Explain central board of workers education scheme
BTL 2
15
How would you show your understanding on the functions of CBWE?
BTL 3
16
Conclude your understanding on the training schemes
BTL 4
17
Classify the various training schemes of DGET
BTL 1
18
What can you say about national employment service?
BTL 2

19
What is DGET?
BTL 1
20
Define HTS.
BTL 1
Q.No
I.
1
II.
Unit - III - Part - B Question

What are voluntary welfare measures? (3)
Explain voluntary welfare measures with illustrations (11)
Level
BTL 1
How would you classify the labour welfare activities?
BTL 2
How would you show your understanding of non-statutory welfare measures?
BTL 3
I.
4
5
II.
Classify the theories of labour welfare (3)

Explain in detail about the theories of labour welfare (10)
Can you elaborate the levels of labour welfare funds
BTL 4
BTL 5
Explain the following

6
I.
II.
II.
II.
III.
11
12
Outline the training programmes on the welfare of the workers (7)
BTL 2
BTL 3
What is CBWE? (3)

What are the objectives CBWE? (5)
BTL 4
What are the functions of CBWE? (5)
Will you state the suggestions for better implementation of CBWE schemes
II.
BTL 1
Illustrate the education programmes of the workers (6)
How you describe various programmes under CBWE schemes?
I.
13
Importance of labour welfare (7)
Based on your understanding ,discuss the various characteristics of workers education

I.
10
BTL 6
What are the duties/functions of labour welfare officer?

I.
Needs of labour welfare (6)
BTL 1
BTL 2
What are the features of training schemes of DGET? (7)

List out the employment functions of DGET (6)
10
BTL 4

14
I.
Explain how the effectiveness of welfare is assessed? (7)
II.
How is welfare administered in a typical organization? (8)
BTL 1
Part- C
Case study:
1. M/S XYZ limited is private company making tyres with their HQ at Cochin. Labor management
relations were cordial. They have three years wage agreement renewed periodically without any strike or lockout
for the last ten years. There were three main Unions ENTUC, AITUC and CITU owing allegiance to respective
political parties. Current wages agreement is likely to expire shortly. Mr.Joseph, Director, HR was holding
negotiations with union leaders for the last three months. During this period, he sorted out differences on all seven
out of 8 points. The 8th point was in regard to the wages increase. Union originally demanded a wage raise of
30% whereas the management was prepared to go only for 15%. After a series of discussion, Union leaders agreed
to come down to 25% and the management has agreed to increase to 17%. The stalemate continued for the next
20 days. Finally the management has accepted 18% increase. Union leaders did not agree and called for a strike.
Even after one week strike, the management did nothing. The Union gave a public advertisement stating
its side and the management has also given an advertisement that the strike is unwarranted and they have no other
alternative except to go for a lockout.
It also stated that their offer of present agreement will remain valid only for the next three days.
Questions:
1. Explain the Unions rationale of the latest demand. (3)
2. Explain the reasons for management action. (4)
3. Predict the outcome, of this dispute. (4)
4. Suggest additional gestures from management or union to break the statement (4)
Case study:
2. Downsizing efforts change into a retention move The CEO of ZZZ Ltd assessed that the stock market
seemed to encourage reduction in the employee strength. She observed that whenever any listed company
announced plans to downsize, their share prices went up, apparently attracted by the ensuing cost savings and
revenues per share. Hence ZZZ Ltd announced its plan to trim down its present size of 1250 into 1000, which
would mean a 20% cut. To achieve this, the organization adopted measures like recruitment freeze, retraining and
redeployment and de-layering of avoidable intermediary layers. Promotions were almost stopped and poor
performers were targeted for removal. To top it all, the organization began to introduce a voluntary retirement
scheme (VRS) with a reasonably attractive package. Through this major initiative the CEO and his team of top
management expected to achieve most of the target for reduction. When the scheme was announced and voluntary
applications were sought, it was dismaying to the top management that a whopping number of 700 employees,
including many of the highly rewarded good performers had applied for VRS.
11

The top management took some time to be able to reason out the reason for the turn of events. Finally it
was realized that sudden introduction of VRS when the organization was performing well according to official
financial statements had set the rumor mill on that the organization was hiding its internal financial difficulties.
For one set of people, the series of downsizing moves set alarm bells inside them and they thought it to be prudent
to be the early birds in moving out of what they thought to be a sinking ship. Also, employees throughout the
organization resented announcing VRS for pleasing the shareholders.
As a consequence of multiple factors, the organization found that the whole scheme to downsize has
backfired. Some managers felt that Smart-sizing should have been tried instead of downsizing. Some others
felt that the whole initiative was hasty and untimely. The situation called for self-introspection among the persons
responsible for the human resources of the organization.
Questions
1. List out all possible reasons for the decisions of majority of employees to quit their present job (3)
2. Were the actual feelings of the employees reported in the case realistic and justified reasons? (3)
3. What would be the long term implications of downsizing decisions that are driven by forces of stock
market? (3)
4. How do you think the organization should have planned for human power reduction? (3)
5. What would be the measures to be taken up towards controlling the damage already set in? (3)
Case study:
3. A management consultant was asked to report on the causes of law productivity and declining morale
of employees in Biterman industries Ltd., they gave the following report after interviewing a crosses section of
the employees working in the company.
Most of them felt that the management is first not interested in revising their wage rate, where as profits
earned by the company are registering a steady increase, the wage rates continue to be those fixed about four
years ago.
Shop floor workers are the worst sufferers due to sub-standard working conditions. Most of the machines
are old and outdated which reduces the output per worker. Wages are paid in time without any incentive on the
extra efforts made by the workers. The atmosphere on the shop floor is uncongenial. There is a lot of noise, beat
and dust. The cooling system installed years ago has ceased to work and no one cared to set it right.
Management members look down on workers. There is absolutely no rapport between them. Decisions
are handed down to workers who have no say in their making. Workers are scolded and reprimanded in full view
of others with the result that no one dare to take initiative in his work.
In a bid to weaken the trade union, the management has authorized the senior foreman to recruit new
workers from among those whom he knows well and who will toe the management line in all matters.
Suggestions and grievances of workers are seldom give any attention.
(a) What is the nature of the problem in this case? (8)
(b) As a management consultant yourself, what would be your recommendation to raise productivity and morale.
(7)
12

Case study:
4. Cathay Pacific Airways is an International airline based in Hong Kong that serves over eighty five
destinations on five continents. An early survey revealed that the travelers felt that the Cathy Pacific service was
good, but not as warm and friendly as customer desired. Some even described the service as robotic. This led
to reexamination of how the company recruited, trained and managed its employees.
To increase customer retention, especially business travelers, Cathy Pacific decided that something more
was needed. Assume you are HRD professional responsible for organizational changes.
Questions
1. How do you go about designing a need assessment for the Airline? (5)
2. What methods would you use to design training that emphasizes customer service? (5)
3. What type(s) of training would you recommend for Flight attendants? (5)
Unit - IV - Part - A Question
Q.No
Level
Define accidents
BTL 1
What can you say about national safety council?
BTL 2
How would you show your understanding on prevention of accidents?
BTL 3
Classify the losses due to accidents
BTL 4
Categorize the various aspects of industrial health
BTL 5
Evaluate the nature of industrial safety
BTL 6
What is industrial safety?
BTL 1
Summarize the provisions under factories act, 1948
BTL 2
Identify needs for industrial safety
BTL 3
10
What do you think about importance of industrial safety?
BTL 4
11
12
13
14
Discuss the internal and external psychological problems of industry

Can you assess why industrial health is essential?
Define industrial hygiene and diseases
BTL 5
BTL 6
BTL 1
Outline the section-12 in factories act of1948
BTL 2
13

15
How would you show your understanding on industrial health management?
BTL 3
16
Conclude your understanding on hygiene
BTL 4
17
Define occupational hazards.
BTL 1
18
What is meant by counseling?
BTL 2
19
List some of the occupational diseases
BTL 1
20
Define occupational diseases
BTL 1
Q.No
I.
1
II.
Unit - IV - Part - B Question

What are the causes of industrial accidents? (11)
What kinds of losses occur due to accidents? (2)
Level
BTL1
Can you explain the measurement of accidents/accident rates?
BTL2
Based on your understanding discuss the various measures for preventing accidents
BTL3
4
5
6
I.
Will you state the features of industrial relations? (2)
II.
Describe the nature and need for industrial safety (11)
Can you elaborate on the safety provisions under factories act, 1948?
Can you assess the importance of industrial safety?
I.
II.
I.
8
9
10
II.
11
I.
12
Explain the importance of industrial hygiene (11)
II.
BTL6
BTL 1
Can you explain the concept of industrial health? (10)

Illustrate the objectives of industrial health. (3)
What are the objectives of industrial hygiene?
II.
BTL5
Define industrial hygiene.(2)
Identify the statutory provisions for industrial health
I.
BTL4
BTL 2
BTL 3
BTL 4
List the importance of industrial health (7)

List the problems related to industrial health and hygiene (6)
BTL 1
What is meant by occupational hazards? (2)

Explain in detail about occupational hazards and state its importance (11)
14
BTL 2

13
How would you categories the psychological problems?

I.
14
II.
BTL 4
Define counseling (2)

Can you list the importance of statutory provisions for counseling (11)
BTL 1
Part-C
Case study:
1. Aircraft maintenance engineers of Indian Airlines Corporation formed the bulk of engineers having air craft
maintenance engineers license. The recent pay revision announced by government of India has resulted wide
disparity between wages and allowance between engineers and pilots. Engineers accordingly joined together and
formed the trade union and got it registered. Nearly ninety percent of serving engineers joined the trade union.
During the recent negotiation with the management, engineers insisted to introduce a clause to make union
membership mandatory to all employed engineers which in other words is called union shop
A section of union leaders preferred maintenance shop characteristics to their union where as some
others insisted an agency shop status Opinions are also divided whether they should get themselves affiliated
to national union. They decided to seek the opinion of consultant.
Questions:
1. As a consultant what status you recommend for the engineers union. Illustrate you answer with proper
justification. (8)
2. What will be your advice regarding their affiliation to the national union? (7)
Case study:
2. A multinational company in the food processing sector has been operating in India for about 2 decades. The
company has recently decided to expand its production. Since the space is not adequate at present location, it was
decided to shift the factory to a new location which is about 20kms. Away from its present site, as the workers
transferred to the new site were living in the town nearby, the union demanded an increase of Rs300/-per month
in the salary, but the company offered to give Rs.140/- only to cover the cost of transportation.
When the plant was being shifted to the new site, negotiations went on uninterrupted between the
management and the union on several issues including pay hike. However, both the parties could not come to a
settlement even after 6 months of shifting to a new facility.
The management was firm on their decision even though the union indicated some flexibility with respect
to pay hike. The union refused to compromise fully on the issue and they adopted go slow strategy to pressurize
15

the management. Consequently, the production went down drastically, but still the management was firm on their
stand. In the mean while the management charge- sheeted some of the trade union leaders and suspended them.
Questions:
1. Analyze the case given above and explain the problems and causes (8)
2. If you are a general manager of this company, how would you resolve the problems? (7)
Case study:
3. Pretty ready made garment company has 2500 woman employees. Woman workers are not provided with
minimum amenities like toilet, and canteen facilities. Some pregnant women have applied leave for 3 months.
The company refuses to provide maternity benefits to the woman workers in the factory. The company does not
pay adequate wages to the employees. There is neither social security nor provident fund and employee insurance.
Equal pay for equal work is not there is the organization and the equality of justice is totally ignored. Lot of
exploitation of woman is prevailed in the organization in several angles. Working lunch is to be purchased
exorbitant prices.
The women are demoralized and frustrated with the attitude of management of the company. Quality and
production in the company suffered a setback. Woman are planning t quit the company.
Questions:
1. What are the welfare measures to be provided by the company? (5)
2. Discuss the labour legislation, which are not followed in the company (5)
3. What quality retention methods should be initiated by the company to retain the quitting employees? (5)
Case study:
4. Promotion of the deserving candidates
In an organization with about 300 staff members, a supervisor was recommended to line manager for out
of turn promotion on grounds of extraordinary qualities of leadership as an executive in preference to one of his
seniors who possessed the required skills for an executive. 190 Both the supervisors came to know of the
recommendations.
The personnel manager advised the line manager to observe the working of both the supervisors and then
come up with proposals after two months. After two months it was reported that the performance of the supervisor
who was tipped for promotion had not improved and both continued to keep up the same pace. It was also observed
that the junior who was recommended for out of turn promotion was only day dreaming. He was preparing for
his future job while neglecting his present one.
The senior seemed to have taken things in its stride and there was neither increase nor decrease in his
output. Productivity was getting affected severely. Promotional decisions usually have far reaching impact in the
morale of employees in the organization.
16

Questions
1. What are the causes of the difference between expectations and actual behavior on the
part of the promoted employee? (3)
2. What would you recommend if you were the line manager entrusted with handling this case? (3)
3. As a personnel manager what would be your reaction now considering the multipledimensions of the problem? (3)
4. What are the normal guidelines to be followed while finding a new incumbent to an
existing job? (3)
5. Give a plan to minimize or avoid problems of faulty or inept promotions in the future.(3)
Unit - V - Part - A Question
Q.No
Level
Define child labour
Will you state the factors that induced the child labour
Outline the problems faced by female labour
BTL 3
What do you think about provisions for female labours in various acts?
BTL 4
Discuss the effects of contract labour
BTL 5
Interpret the necessity of contract labour act, 1970
BTL 6
What is construction labour?
BTL 1
Compare contract and construction labour
BTL 2
How would you classify the agricultural labour?
BTL 3
10
What do you think about agricultural labour?
BTL 4
11
12
13
BTL 1
Discuss the disadvantages of differently abled labour

How would you evaluate VRCs?
BTL 2
BTL 5
BTL 6
List some categories of BPO
BTL 1
14
Compare BPO AND KPO
BTL 2
15
Identify the problems of BPO
BTL 3
16
List the characteristics of social security
BTL 4
17
What is social security?
BTL 1
18
Illustrate two importance of social security
BTL 2
17

19
What is social assistance?
BTL 1
20
Define agricultural labour
BTL 1
Q.N
o
1
Unit - V - Part - B Question

How would you describe the provisions of the child labour act 1986
I.
BTL 1
What do you meant by child labour? (2)
II.
BTL 4
Can you list the causes of child labour (11)
I.
3
Level
Will you state the detail account on female labour standard (6)
II.
Discuss the emergence of female labour refers in India (7)
BTL 2
What are the provisions for female labours in various acts?
BTL 3
How would show your understanding of important provisions of contract labour act?
BTL 3
I.
6
II.
I.
II.
Explain the advantages of using contract labour. (6)

Explain disadvantages of using contract labour
(7)
BTL 2
What are the problems faced by construction labour? (6)

List out the suggestions for promoting welfare of construction labour (7)
BTL 4
Can you list out and explain the other construction workers act 1996?
BTL 1
Can you list the characteristics of agricultural labour list out the categories of agricultural
labour?
BTL 5
10
11
12
13
What are the measures taken by government to improve conditions of agricultural labour?
What is your opinion of services rendered to handicapped persons by VRCS?
What can you say about the welfare of special categories of labour?
I.
What are the importances of social security? (7)
II.
What are the implications of social security? (6)
I.
14
II.
BTL 1
BTL 6
BTL 2
BTL 4
How would you describe the role of welfare officer? (7)

List the function of special categories of labour welfare officer in a country (6)
18
BTL 1

Part-C
Case study:
1. Share options are a benefit normally reserved for directors. However it was reported that motor components
supplier UNI PART offered shop floor workers the opportunity to participate in such a scheme.
The applied to all full time staff who had worked for the company for over six months, who had received
a satisfactory appraisal and whose division has reached its 2007 targets. It was estimated that 2600 of the 3800
staff would be eligible. They were given option to buy a limited number of shares, 5 to 10 depending upon service,
at a 15% discount for everyone bought at the market rate.
Questions:
1. How does the scheme compare with typical executive share option schemes? (5)
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach? (5)
3. Does it penalize those who work for the division that has not reached its target? for the
reason that may be beyond an individuals control? (5)
Case study:
2. Suppose you are a Restaurant manager who is conducting a coaching discussion with one of your servers about
the servers repeated failure to complete store closing operations before leaving for the night. You have conducted
coaching analysis and have determined that the server is able to complete this responsibility, that all obstacles to
doing so have been removed, and that this is an important part of a servers job in your restaurant.
Questions:
1. Describe as to how do you get the server to agree that the problem exists, and what you would do if
the server refuses to acknowledge that a problem exists (5)
2. Describe the option available to you in dealing with this situation (5)
3. Which option would you select? Support your choice (5)
Case study:
3. A is the owner of a ginning factory. Certain men were engaged in putting the ginned cotton into what are called
bojhas and they were engaged for that work not by A but the merchants who owned cotton. A did not show their
names in the attendance register of the factory.
19

Question:
Are the labour employed by the merchants workers within the meaning of the Factories Act, 1948? (15)
Case study:
4. Prathamesh Steel (Pvt.) Ltd. founded 15 years before by Mr. A.M. Bapat was having booming time. At that
time, Mr. Bapat, worked both in the office and in the factory and knew his men and they knew him. Production
standard were always maintained and labour turnover was practically non-existing. As the business mushroomed,
the number of employees has progressively increased. Thus, Mr. Bapats greetings and conversation with his
workers became less frequent. In fact, he had so many things to do, that he could no longer supervise the factory.
Thus, he hired another man, Mr. Godse as a plant supervisor.
As this time though the number of workers increased to about 500, labour turnover and absenteeism
increased along with the labour cases. The only thing that decreased was productivity. In order to meet the
situations, Mr. Bapat granted substantial increase in wages which were already high and made some arrangements
for increment earnings based on merit rating on seniority. Yet labour turnover and absenteeism continue at a high
rate. On investigation, it was found that the new plant supervisor lacked the patience and understanding which is
necessary for dealing with the employees.
When something was found wrong, he was scolding the employees but no attempt was made to find the
case of faulty work. Meanwhile, labour unrest developed. The, Worker began to complain about working on
Saturdays and not having either time or facilities change from work clothes to original dresses after work, about
toilet facilities etc. Some of the claims were not found sufficiently justified or easy to meet. Mr. Bapat offered
to workers as compensation, a new rise in wages with more liberty in allowing vacation time all of which the
company could well afford.
Questions
1. Were the steps taken by Mr. Bapat right? (8)
2. What do you think he should have done in order to improve the situation? (7)
20

Ba7034 - Industrial Relations & Labour Welfare

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What are some of the causes and consequences of industrial relations problems according to the document?

What are some of the causes and consequences of industrial relations problems according to the document?

What are some of the factors that can influence industrial relations according to the document?

What are some of the factors that can influence industrial relations according to the document?

VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Year and Semester

II YEAR III SEMESTER (ODD)

Unit - I - Part - A - Question

Define industrial relations

Will you state two conditions for good Industrial Relations?

How would you organize the objectives of I.R?

Can you list the factors influencing I.R?

What are the features of Industrial Relations?

Interpret the actors in I.R.

Define Trade union

Will you state some names of central trade unions in India

How would you show your understanding of importance of trade unions?

Why do you think employees have to join trade unions?

How trade unions are classified

Interpret the any two functions of trade union

What are the goals of trade unions?

Define code of conduct

Will you state two objectives of code of conduct?

Identify the factors guiding codes of conduct

What are the features of code of conduct?

How code of conduct is essential?

Interpret the limitations of code of conduct

Prepared by Mr.S.Raja, Asst. Professor, DOMS VEC

VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

List the consequences of industrial relations problems (6)

Unit - I - Part - B - Question

Can you explain the present status of I.R in India (10)

Summarize the determinants of I.R (3)

List the objectives of I.R (6)

What is your opinion about trade union movement in India

Can you list

Elaborate the concept, features and objectives of code of conduct (11)

Trade union is a voluntary organisation. Examine

What is code of conduct? (2)

How would you summarize the contents of code of conduct?

Problems of trade unions

Illustrate the various types of trade unions

Importance of trade unions (7)

State the objectives of code of conduct (2)

Prepared by Mr.S.Raja, Asst. Professor, DOMS VEC

VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Prepared by Mr.S.Raja, Asst. Professor, DOMS VEC

VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Prepared by Mr.S.Raja, Asst. Professor, DOMS VEC

VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Define Industrial conflict

What you can say about industrial disputes?

Identify the importance of industrial disputes

Classify the reasons for industrial disputes

How would you show your understanding about strikes?

Interpret the main criteria about lock outs

Outline the preventive machinery for industrial disputes