Sathish: If many people join together it is called a union. If different workers join together it is labour's union. Believing on unity is strength concept, many unions joined together and brought many movements. These unions play major role in bringing 44 state-level laws. Especially in bringing laws related to ESI and PF union plays a vital role. TTCU state consultant Mr. James Victor is here to tell more about one law which was welcomed by worldwide. James: In the history of labour unions, of the most important movement which gathered the attention worldwide is Bonus Act. Any production company, service company or income generation company, it should give one part of production to the workers. That's not wrong. If you see in villages, the workers after completing their work they get their salary and also as a compliment they get vegetables or rice. Especially during Pongal season, they get paddy as remuneration. There was a time when workers used to get only salary and nothing else. Only few companies used to give some amount as bonus but that depends upon the employer. He may give 2%, 10% or 20%. there were no laws related to this. Many unions fought against this. During that period with the help of ILO convention few recommendations were made. After that bonus Act was introduced. This law says, if a labour works for more than 6 months he should get 1 month salary, that 8.33% as bonus. This was the result of continuous protest. Government negotiated and came to a conclusion that at least 8.33% bonus should be given. This is a common law which is applicable for all companies. Sathish: Dear audience we believe that you realised the power of the union. Unions have struggled to bring many laws and many amendments. We believe that now you have understood that unions are great examples for Unity is strength.
