I never
really thought that I will be writing this third part of the series. But the ITC Employees Union at their Ranjangaon factory gave me a pleasant surprise. The first
part talks of Bajaj Auto employees union called Vishwa Kalyan Kamgar Sanghatana
VKKS taking steps which are positive, proactive and aimed at building
character. The second part talks of Bosch union in Pune taking unusual steps,
as also the Thermax union.
All the
three unions were guided by their own vision. Do you remember what Helen Keller
said? “What is worse than being blind,” she asked. And answered, “A man with
sight but no vision!” Unions have realised that the new age relationships must be guided
by their independent vision.
The latest
subscriber to this view and joining the select group of progressive unions is
ITC Karmachari Sanghatana. This is the union of employees at ITC’s brand new
factory at Ranjangaon.
[pics show ITC Ranjangaon Employees in another visioning exercise last year]
And here is
what they say:
Vision of ITC Kamgar Sanghatana
“Excellence in Relations for Harmony, peace,
productivity and innovations to create world class organization and to achieve
better economic, social and family life with the help of team work,
enlightenment , analysis , learning, commitment, honesty, trust, fairness &
transparency.”
The
language in Industrial Relations is changing. From one of complaint to one of
commitment!
Now purists
may argue that it is a rather long one etc. and that is why they are often
labelled ‘Chhidranveshee’ or the ‘fault-finders.’ We must respect the positive
step. We must encourage it. We must reach out to more if we want others to
emulate.
And you
will not find such stories in the Press; they enjoy reporting only the
negatives, it makes good story. Yes only for them!
The stories
of proactive and positive change are so inspiring! Kudos to ITC Kamgar
Sanghatana. And Kudos also to ITC who have increasingly adopted very progressive and inspiring practices.
Vivek S Patwardhan
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."
Part 2 Trade Unions as Business
Partners
http://hrblog.vivekvsp.com/2014/10/part-2-trade-unions-as-business-partners.html
See the first post in
this series here
Also see: