Workers at my establishment in Pune want to form a trade union; what are their rights and what is the registration procedure?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Under the Trade Unions Act, 1926, any seven or more members of a trade union may apply for registration to the Registrar of Trade Unions in the state where the union's head office is located. The application must be accompanied by the union's rules, a statement of office bearers, and the prescribed fee.

Once registered, the union enjoys immunity from civil suits for bona fide trade union activities under Section 18, and its funds can be used for specified purposes. The union can raise industrial disputes, participate in conciliation and arbitration, and engage in collective bargaining.

The Bombay High Court may be approached if registration is arbitrarily refused. The Maharashtra Rent Control Act 1999 on trade unions may have additional rules for the state.

Registered unions must file annual returns and maintain proper accounts of funds. The right to form unions is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution.