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Trade unions have been historically significant in the fight for fair practices and tools for defending workers in various industries. From working on better wages to fighting for safer workplaces, trade unions are as significant today as they were many years ago. Despite some challenges posed by automation and globalisation, Trade unions are still supporting workers’ enforcement of rights, as well as their entitlements, through bargaining power and legal employment. For more labour rights insights and workplace updates, visit our Labour Rights page.
List of Major Trade Unions in India
| Trade Union Name | Founded Year | Affiliated Organization | Key Focus Area |
| Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) | 1947 | Indian National Congress | Workers’ welfare, fair wages |
| All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) | 1920 | Communist Party of India | Labour rights, social justice |
| Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) | 1955 | RSS-affiliated | Industrial relations, worker unity |
| Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) | 1970 | CPI (Marxist) | Collective bargaining, labour reforms |
| Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) | 1948 | Independent | Social security, industrial democracy |
Why Unions Are Relevant in Today’s World
Even in a time where corporate restructurings and layoffs are prevalent in many industries, trade unions continue to provide a voice for workers. The role of unions consists of bargaining for relatively higher wages, hours and job security for workers in manufacturing, IT and service jobs. Workers are increasingly being organised in the gig economy, and unions are advocating for proper pay and health benefits for these workers.
Unions establish relationships to reduce tensions between employers and employees, while ensuring member compliance with labour laws. While unions exist to benefit the workers in the workplace, they can also aid in the development of national labour policies and can act as stabilisers in the economy.
Internal Linking – Long Tail Keyword Focus
To see the complete overview of the contemporary labour rights movement and employee welfare legislation, visit our glorious and comprehensive guide on contemporary employment trends in India on our site. It describes how union-supported policies still protect workers in a rapidly changing economy.
Concerning the Table
The foregoing table is representative of the premier trade unions in India, each of which has played a significant role in ongoing labour relations and governmental policy. Each of these unions has influenced something unique, politically, or through strikes or statements regarding equality.
Frequent Questions
Q1: What is the primary goal of trade unions?
Trade unions exist to safeguard and promote the interests of workers through collective bargaining and action with employers.
Q2: Do unions still have a purpose in the year 2025?
Definitely. Unions are still necessary for fair pay, equality, and job security, as labour changes.
Q3: Can freelancers or gig workers join a union?
Certainly. Many of the unions of today represent gig economy workers to help them gain rights and benefits.
