The Trade Unions Act, 1926

The Trade Unions Act, 1926 was enacted to provide for the registration and regulation of trade unions in India. The act defines a trade union as any combination, whether temporary or permanent, formed primarily for the purpose of regulating the relations between workmen and employers or between workmen and workmen, or between employers and employers, or for imposing restrictive conditions on the conduct of any trade or business, and includes any federation of two or more trade unions. The act provides for the registration of trade unions with the Registrar of Trade Unions and sets out the requirements for registration, including the submission of a copy of the union's rules and regulations, membership details, and financial statements. The act also lays down provisions for the management of trade unions, including the election of office bearers and the audit of accounts. The act prohibits certain actions by trade unions, such as calling for or endorsing strikes that are deemed to be illegal, and provides for penalties in case of contravention.