Union Of Contract Labour

Dear All,
Our's is a manufacturing company located in Maharashtra, not yet operational. However, we have awarded some ancillary work like bush cutting, road preparation, civil construction etc to some local Contractors, who in turn employ some 500 contract labour.
Now, recently there are attempts being made by some people with vested interests to take signatures etc of these Contract Labour and making them a part of some Union.
Kindly let me know whether any such union formation will affect my company ? Plz note that we have not yet given the contractors a permanent work order.
Plz help !
Regards,
Shaunak Marulkar (9423877450)
Pune

Hi Shaunak,
Very well understand your piquant situation vis-a-vis vested interests who have least interests/concern for the workers!
Under Trade Union Act any 7 workmen coming together can for the union and get registered.
You need to keep in mind that this game is muscle power and should have patience.
First of all - you have to check if the Contractors have the license for employing contract workers and make sure the statutory requirements like PF & ESI is fulfilled which should be checked on monthly basis on submission of challans.
Union of workers would not affect you directly but it is always better to know the ground realities as your company is the Principal Employer.
Regards,
Rajat

Hello Rajat,
Thanks for the help !!
Yah, you are right about 7 members for Union formation. Also, I wish to let you know that the PF formalities will be completed by the Principal Employers i.e. us. This is in the process.
Just wanted to know, whether we would have to follow any statutory requirements like canteen, rest rooms etc even if our work order for these contractors is not permanent ???
On what grounds will our management come in the picture ?
Plz help !
Shaunak Marulkar
Pune

Hi Shaunak Marulkar,
No, these are not your requirements infact what you can do is to is indemnify your organization from future and such risks to insert the clauses in the work order.
On what grounds will our management come in the picture ?
It's difficult to answer this particular without the knowledge of Business dynamics and the ground realities. First would urge you to know the same and share with us.
Best Regards,
Rajat Joshi

Dear Rajat Sir,
Thanks for the help !! You have cleared me to a great extent.
Kindly note my mobile number for our reference & association.
Regards,
Shaunak M. Marulkar (9423877450)
Pune