Though trends suggest that Industrial violence is not as prevalent as it used to be yet some incidents of the recent past do remind us that complacence will be dangerous. Even CEOs and executives may face the wrath of workers that gets aggravated due to perceived dissatisfaction. The episode of violence at the Maruti Suzuki Factory at Manesar, Haryana, is a case in point that reminds that industrial violence in India is by no means a thing of the past. The consequences of violence are disastrous leading to bloodshed and destruction to property. What is the answer to this may be a matter of concern for the industries but one thing can be said ensuring democracy at the workplace can be helpful. Democracy has been defined variously and any one definition may not encompass the entire concept.Nevertheless, its spirit can certainly be summed up in these famous words from the classic work of the noted author Harper lee — Equal rights to all, special privileges to none — is what sums up the idea of democracy as given in the book by the protagonist. But experiences suggest that making this concept work is rather difficult. For example the case of many Heads of State today who seem to have acquired dictatorial streak.They get inebriated and the power enters the head. And the first casualty of such a state is peace. The same principle can be applied to industries where CEOs seem to become power crazy. But these aberrations do not make democracy undesirable as there is no better system. Democracy is a system that works despite its weaknesses. The moot point is that democracies ensure peace much more than other systems. In the case of industry this is all the more important because industrial democracy leads to industrial harmony and ultimately industrial peace. The working class knows its limitations and is not worked up about privileges though it certainly wants them. But it is conscious of its rights and wants to be sure that those rights are protected. In other words it wants to be ascertained that its rightful dues will be met justifiably. The working class wants to be treated fair and square and expects the management to handle it with care. It is this perception that makes the working class free of anxiety, free of apprehensions. So in words of Tagore he wants an environment in which the mind is without fear and the head is held high.This is the first precondition of peace. Such an environment can only be expected in a democracy, a setup in which all are treated equally. What should that democracy be likeIJ To quote one of the greatest US Presidents Abraham lincoln, “A democracy is a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” That is a system in which it is the ruled who rule. Understanding this in an industrial context it becomes a system where even the last man has all the rights. The role of trade unions is paramount in facilitating the creation of such an environment and thus ensuring peaceful co existent of all present.The management and the workers are not to conflicting parties but two wheels of the chariot which make it run smoothly. Democracy ensures peace and peace brings harmonious relations amongst the people present. The traditional formula of achieving industrial relation through legislations need to change. It is human relations which ensures industrial relations.
The writer is a Professor of Management at IIT (ISM), Dhanbad. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com