INTRODUCTION

The trade union came into being as an agent of workers and working class at a large. A trade union is an organization of employees
formed on a continuous basis for the purpose of securing diverse range of benefits. It is a continuous association of wage earners for the purpose of maintaining and improving the conditions of their working lives.

The Trade Union Act 1926 defines, A Trade Union as a 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 condition on the conduct of any trade or business, and includes any federation of two or more trade unions . This definition is defective because it allows even non workers to form a trade union; also it is narrow and vague about the aims and purpose of forming such union. Yet the definition with a clear and legal wording is certainly important in getting a trade union registered with the Registrar of Trade Unions and when legal interpretation of trade union is required in the case of industrial dispute etc.
This definition, primarily, talks about three relationships. They are the relationships between the:
y y y

workmen and workmen, workmen and employers, and employers and employers.

Thus, a trade union can be seen as a group of employees in a particular sector, whose aim is to negotiate with employers over pay, job security, working hours, etc, using the collective power of its members. In general, a union is there to represent the interests of its members, and may even engage in political activity where legislation affects their members. Trade unions are voluntary associatios formed for the pursuit of protecting the common interests of its members and also promote welfare. They protect the economic, political and social interests of their members.

General features of trade union:

1. A trade union is a association of workers who are engaged in securing economic benefits of its workers. 2. Labour unions are relatively permanent association of workers and not temporary or casual. 3. The character of trade unions has been constantly changing. 4. The origin and growth of trade unions has been influenced by a number of ideologies. 5. The trade union is an association either of employers or employees or of independent workers.

Functions of Trade Union:

The trade Unions generally perform the following functions:1. Collective bargaining with the management to settle terms and conditions of employment. 2. Advise the management on personnel policies and practices. 3. Taking up the individual and collective grievances of the workers with the management. 4. Work for achieving better say of workers in the management of affairs of the enterprise which influence the lives of the workers directly. 5. Organising demonstrations, strikes, etc, to press demands of workers. 6. Education of workers and their children. 7. Welfare and recreational activities for their members. 8. Representing of workers in various national and international forums. 9. Securing legislative protection for workers from the government.