In a Central PSU, multiple union s are in there. Only one Union has been recognised as per the code of Discipline formulated by the Govt. Other Unions are registered with the Registrar of Trade Union. Their membership number is not known to the Employer. One of the registered Union approached the RLC(C)raising an Industrial Dispute with some demands submitted to the Management. One of the Demand is to ascertain the majority Union through Secret Bllot System. RLC(C) considered the ID and started Conciliation Proceedings. Mean while, two registered Unions (the union which raised ID and another) approached the management for declaring their Office bearers as Protected workmen. The managemet replied that as the membership is not known and the same matter is pending before RLC(C) in conciliation, no action can be taken. Both the Unions approached RLC(C) by raising separate Industrial Disputes. RLC sent notice to the management for discussion.
My querry is Can a Union raise a dispute on the subject of declaration of Protected workmen? can RLC is justified to take cognizance of the letter of Unions and asking management to participate in the discussion?
