INDUSTRIES

LABOUR ORGANISATION

The general backwardness of this area bears its stamp on all the economic activities in the district. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. Industry occupies a subsidiary position and has been receiving attention only recently. Industrial labour is thus not well organised in the district.

In March 1963, the following three registered trade unions functioned in the district:—

(1) Municipal Kamgar Union, Parali Vaijnath (AITUC),

(2) Gadiwan Kamgar Union, Parali Vaijnath, and

(3) Marathwada Rashtriya Municipal Kamgar Union, Aurangabad.

The recognition of three other Unions, viz., Rashtriya Nagarpalika Majdoor Sangh, Bhir; Rashtriya Gumasta Sangh, Bhir and Rashtriya Municipal Kamgar Sangh, Ambejogai was withheld in 1963.

During the last ten years no strike or lockout took place in the district. During the same period six industrial disputes arose in the district, one in a bidi making establishment, two each between city municipalities of Bhir and Ambejogai and the municipal workers, and one between the town committee, Georai and its employees. All these disputes were for increase in wages, payment of allowances, etc. The first five disputes were settled and benefits were granted to the workers. Conciliation proceedings were adopted in the case of the last one.

Bhir district along with the other districts of Marathwada region is under the charge of the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Aurangabad. He is the Conciliation Officer for industrial disputes in Bhir district. The Inspector of Shops and Establishments stationed at Bhir has jurisdiction over Bhir and Parali.

The principal role of trade unions in the district is to advise the member workmen regarding the benefits and protection under the various labour laws and to put before the Conciliation Officer and the Labour Commissioner the grievances of their members and ask for redress. In industrial disputes the unions also re-present their members during the proceedings and defend their cases and safeguard their interests before various tribunals. The trade unions also ensure that the employers do not coerce their member workers and do not put them to injustice.

Labour-Welfare

Labour-welfare activities sponsored by the government are of recent origin. The government to-day takes adequate steps to safeguard the welfare of the working population. Particular attention is paid to housing conditions and recreational, educational and sanitation facilities for the workmen.

The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board constituted under the Bombay Labour Welfare Fund Act of 1953 took over the control of the Parali labour-welfare centre in January 1962. This centre formerly functioned under the control of the Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Nagpur. The welfare activities carried out by the centre can be grouped under various heads such as entertainment, sports and games, health, community and social education. The Parali centre functions under the supervision of the workers' welfare officer stationed at Aurangabad.