Works Committee explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
The Industrial Relations (Gujarat) Rules, 2021 apply the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 to Gujarat establishments for which the State Government is the appropriate Government. This article covers the notification, the commencement clause and the two bi-partite forums an employer sets up: the Works Committee (rule 4) and the Grievance Redressal Committee (rules 5 to 7).
The rules are the Industrial Relations (Gujarat) Rules, 2021, as notified on 5 October 2021 (No. KHR-2021-129-IDA-122020-539471-M(2)), and come into force from the commencement of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. A Works Committee has not more than twenty members, with worker representatives not fewer than employer representatives (rule 4). A Grievance Redressal Committee has equal numbers from employer and workers, not exceeding ten (rule 5). A worker's grievance may be raised within one year of the cause of action (rule 6).
Later amendments and State notifications under these rules should be checked in the State Gazette.
The notification and commencement
The notification of the Labour and Employment Department, Gandhinagar, is dated 5 October 2021. It recites that draft rules were published under section 99(1) of the Code on 31 March 2021, with thirty days for objections, and that those received were considered. The rules are made in supersession of the Gujarat Trade Union Regulations, 1963, the Bombay Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Rules, 1959 and the Industrial Disputes (Gujarat) Rules, 1966.
Rule 1(2) extends them "to whole of Gujarat in respect to the industrial establishments and matters for which the Gujarat Government is the appropriate Government". Rule 1(3) reads: "They shall come into the force from the commencement of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020." The four Labour Codes were brought into force from 21 November 2025. For who the appropriate Government is, see our post on section 2 of the Industrial Relations Code. For help applying these rules, see our employment and labour law advisory. Rule 2 defines "electronically" as information submitted by email, by uploading on the designated portal, or by digital payment in any mode.
Rule 3 adds one form: the written agreement for settlement before the Conciliation Officer under section 2(zi) is in Form I, signed by both parties, and a copy is sent to the Conciliation Officer.
What an employer must do
| Obligation | Rule | Form or register | Time limit as printed | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitute a Works Committee on an order under section 3(1) | 4 | Committee of up to twenty members | Forthwith | Employer |
| Seek union membership figures | 4(4) | Written request to the registered Trade Union | Not stated | Deputy Registrar decides a dispute on the figures |
| Constitute a Grievance Redressal Committee | 5 | Equal numbers of employer and worker members, not above ten | Tenure as in rule 5 | Employer |
| Receive a worker's grievance | 6 | Application, electronically or otherwise | Raised within one year from the cause of action | Grievance Redressal Committee |
| Decide the grievance | 7 | Committee decision | Within thirty days of receipt, failing which the worker may go to the Conciliation Officer | Committee |
The Works Committee (rule 4)
The Central rule is explained in rule 5 of the Central Rules. Gujarat prints the following.
- Size. The number of members affords representation to the categories, groups and classes of workers and the sections, shops or departments. The total must not exceed twenty, and worker representatives must not be fewer than employer representatives.
- Employer side. Nominated by the employer, as far as possible officials in direct touch with the working of the establishment.
- Worker side. The employer asks each registered Trade Union in writing how many workers are its members. If the employer believes the figure false, he informs the union and refers the matter to the Deputy Registrar appointed under section 5(1), whose decision after hearing is final. Registered unions choose their representatives in the proportion of membership; where there is no registered union, workers choose amongst themselves.
- Office-bearers. A Chairman (nominated by the employer from employer representatives, as far as possible the head of the establishment), a Vice-Chairman (elected by the worker members from among themselves, a tie decided by lot), a Secretary and a Joint Secretary elected every year. If the Secretary is from the employer side, the Joint Secretary is from the worker side and vice versa; neither post is held by the same side for two consecutive years.
- Term. Two years, except a member filling a casual vacancy, who holds the unexpired term. A member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without leave forfeits membership.
- Meetings. As often as necessary but not less than once in three months, ordinarily during working hours, the worker representatives being deemed on duty. The employer provides accommodation and facilities.
- Co-option. Persons with special knowledge may be co-opted in a consultative capacity, without vote.
The Grievance Redressal Committee (rules 5 to 7)
The Central rules are in rules 6, 7 and 8. Gujarat prints:
- Composition (rule 5). Equal numbers of employer and worker members, not exceeding ten. Employer members are nominated, preferably heads of major departments. Worker members are chosen by the registered Trade Union, or by the workers where there is none. Women workers must have adequate representation, not less than their proportion in the total workforce.
- Tenure. Co-terminous with the tenure of the members of the registered Trade Union; where there is no registered union, two years from constitution.
- Application by a worker (rule 6). The worker gives name, designation, employee code, department, length of service in years, category, address, contact number, details of the grievance and relief sought, electronically or otherwise, within one year from the date the cause of action arises.
- Conciliation (rule 7). A worker aggrieved by the Committee's decision, or whose grievance is not resolved within thirty days of receipt, may apply to the Conciliation Officer within sixty days from the decision or from the expiry of the section 4(6) period, through the portal of the Commissioner/Director of Labour, by registered post, speed post or in person, through the union or otherwise. A postal application is digitised by the Conciliation Officer.
A worked example
Gir Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Ankleshwar, has 900 workers and a registered union. Once an order under section 3(1) applies to it, it must forthwith constitute a Works Committee of not more than twenty members with workers at least equal to management, and ask the union in writing for its membership figure. A worker who thinks a transfer order was unfair files a rule 6 application with the Grievance Redressal Committee within one year; if the Committee has not resolved it within thirty days, she can approach the Conciliation Officer within sixty days.
Need help setting up the committees?
Constituting the committees correctly, with the union count, the gender proportion and the term, is easy to get wrong. Our employment labour law advisory team can set out the steps for your establishment under the Gujarat rules.
Key takeaways
- Rules come into force from the commencement of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
- Works Committee: up to twenty members, workers not fewer than employer representatives, two-year term, meetings at least once in three months.
- Grievance Redressal Committee: equal members, not above ten; women adequately represented.
- Grievance application within one year; Committee decision within thirty days; conciliation application within sixty days.
- Union membership disputes go to the Deputy Registrar.
Read next
- Industrial Relations (Gujarat) Rules, 2021: standing orders, certification and notice of change
- Industrial Relations (Gujarat) Rules, 2021: trade union registration, returns and negotiating union
- Rule 5 of the Central Rules: works committee constitution
Disclaimer: Based on the State or Union territory rules named above, as notified under the Labour Codes and consulted on 4 October 2026. Later amendments, State notifications, fees and forms should be checked in the State Gazette and on the State labour department website. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.