LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ACT

The Labour Relations Code L.N. 310176

(made under section 3)

ORDERS
(under section 10)

REGULATIONS
(under section 27)

The Labour Relations and hdustrial Disputes Regulations, 1975 -:.;" :$LpB

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 LABOUR RELATJONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

ACT

THELABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(made under section 3)

(Approved by the House of Representatives on the 20th day o f L.N. 310176

July, 1976, and by the Senate on the 6th day of August, 1976)

[lst day of November, 1976.1 ,

L.N. 335~176

THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

Table of Contents Paragraph

PART I-Preliminary
Establishment ... ...
Purpose ... ...
Application ... ...
Revision ... ...
PART 11-Responsibilities
Employers ... ...
Individual Worker ...
Trade Unions ... ...
Employers Associations ...
PART111-Personnel Management Practices
Employment Policies ...
Manpower Use and Planning ...
Security of Workers ... ...
Working Environment ...
Payment of Wages ... ...

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--
 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

PARTIV-Workers Representation and the Collective Bargaining

Process
Trade Union Recognition ... ...
Representation at Place of Employment (Dele-
gates) ... ... ...
Collective Bargaining ... ...
Bargaining Units ... ... ...
Collective Agreements ...
...
PART V-Communication and Consultation
Communication and Consultation ...
PARTVI-Grievance Disputes and Disciplinary Procedures
Disputes Procedures ... , ..
Individual Grievance Procedure ... ...
Disciplinary Procedure ... ...

THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

PARTI-Preliminary
1. Establishment
The Code is established in accordance with the provisions of section
3 of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act. Its purpose
is to set out guidelines which in the opinion of the Minister will be
helpful for the purpose of promoting good labour relations, having
regard to the following-

(i) the principle of collective bargaining freely oonducted on

behalf of workers and their employers with due regard
to the interest of the public;
(ii) the principle of developing and maintaining orderly pro-
cedures in industry for ,the peaceful and expeditious
settlement of disputes by negotiations, conciliation or
arbitration;
(iii) the principle of developing and maintaining good
personnel management techniques designed to secure
effective co-operation between workers and employers and
to protect workers and employers against unfair labour
practices.
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

2. Purpose
The code recognizes the dynamic nature of industrial relations and
interprets it in its widest sense. It is not confined to procedural matters
but includes in its scope human relations and the greater responsibilities
of all the parties to the society in general.
Recognition is given to the fact that management in the exercise
of its function needs to use its resources (material and human)
efficiently. Recognition is also given to the fact that work is a social
right and obligation, it is not a commodity; it is to be respected and
dignity must be accorded to those who perform it, ensuring continuity
of employment, security of earnings and job satisfaction.
The inevitable conflicts that arise in the realization of these goals
must be resolved and it is the responsibility of all concerned, manage-
ment to individual employees, trade unions and employer's associa-
tions to co-operate in its solution. The code is designed to encourage
and assist that co-operation.

3. Application
Save where the Constitution provides otherwise, the code applies to
all employers and all workers and organizations representing workers
in determining their conduct one with the other, and industrial rela-
tions should be carried out within the spirit and intent of the code.
The code provides guidelines which complements the Labour Relations
and Industrial Disputes Act; an infringement of the code does not
of itself render anyone liable to legal proceedings, however, its provi-
sions may be relevant in deciding any question before a tribunal
or board.
4. Revision
0
In accordance with section 3(3) of the Act, the code may be revised
by the Minister. This will be done in consultation with representative
organizations of employers and workers.
This provision is not to be interpreted as inhibiting or restricting
the right of the parties to review and improve their own labour
management practices as the need arises.

5. Employers
In keeping with the need for management to be productive and
responsive to workers and the society in general, good management
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

practices and industrial relations policies which have the confidence

of all must be one of management's major objectives.
The development of such practices and policies are a joint respon-
sibility of employers and all workers and trade unions representing
them, but the primary responsibility for their initiation rests with
employers.
Employers should therefore ensure that-
(i) in the implementation of these policies due regard
is to be paid to their responsibilities to the society;
(ii) in addition to discharging their obligations to workers
in respect of terms and conditions of employment, they
adopt policies for the social and educational improve-
ment of their workers;
(iii) they respect their workers' rights to belong to a trade
union, and to take part in the union's activities, which
include seeking recognition for negotiation purposes.
and that they are not averse to negotiating in good
faith with such trade union;
(iv) adequate and effective procedures for negotiation, com-
munication and consultation, and the settlement of
grievances and disputes, are maintained with their
t
workers, and organizations representing such workers;
(v) these procedures are understood and applied by all
members ol the management team;
(vi) all supervisory staff have clearly defined responsibilities
in the organizational structure, are in charge of manage-
able work groups, understand their responsibilities and
have the necessary qualities, and industrial relations
training and exposure to do the job;
(vii) supervisors are cognizant of management policies as
they affect their individual work groups and that they
maintain an effective link between management and
members of their work groups.
6. Zndividual Worker
(i) The worker has a responsibility, to his employer to
perform his contract of service to the best of his
ability, to his trade union to support it financially
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

and to vest in it the necessary authority for the per-

formance of its functions efficiently; to his fellow
workers in ensuring that his actions do not prejudice
their general well-being including their health and
safety; to the nation by ensuring his dedication to the
principle of productive work for the good of all;
(ii) the legal relationship between employer and worker
is determined by the individual contract of employ-
ment. Often many of its terms are fixed by collective
bargaining and contained in collective agreements. The
worker should familiarize himself with the terms of
his contract, and in particular any procedure for the
dealing with grievances, and abide by them;
(iii) some workers have special obligations arising out of
the nature of their employment. Such worker when
acting in the course of his employment should be
mindful of those obligations and should refrain from
action which conflicts with them.

7. Trade Unions
The main objective of a trade union is to promote the interest
of its members, due regard being paid to the interest of the total
labour force and to the greater national interest. To achieve this
aim, trade unions have a duty to maintain the viability of the under-
taking by ensuring co-operation with management in measures to
promote efficiency and good industrial relations.
Trade Unions should therefore-
(i) where appropriate, maintain jointly with management
and other trade unions effective arrangements at
industry or local levels for negotiation, consultation
and communication and for settling grievances and
disputes;
(ii) take all reasonable steps to ensure that their officials
and members observe all arrangements;
(iii) provide for the training of delegates in the scope
of their powers and duties and the day-to-day opera-
tion of the union;
(iv) provide adequate educational opportunities for the
advancement of their members;
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(v) be properly staffed to serve the needs of its members.

and allow for effective lines of communication between
such staff and the rank and file mqnbership;
(vi) encourage members to take part in its activities by
adopting such means as would best allow them to do
so, including the compilation and distribution of
information;
(vii) make available information pertaining to the rules and
policies of the unions;
(viii) provide adequate advisory services for their members
and in particular assist them to understand the terms
and conditions of their employment;
(ix) identify trends in industrial relations to help their
members to anticipate and keep abreast of change.

8. Employers' Associations
The principal aim of employers' associations is to promote the
interests of their members, due regard being paid to the interest of the
total labour force and to the greater national interest.
Employers' associations should therefore-
(i) co-operate with trade unions for the establishment at
industry level where appropriate, of procedures for the
negotiation of terms and conditions of employment
and the settlement of disputes and grievances;
(ii) encourage their members to establish effective pro-
cedures in consultation with trade unions recognized
by them, for the settlement of disputes and grievances
at the local level;
fiii) take all reasonable steps to ensure that their members
pursue those procedures which are established;
(iv) collect, analyse and distribute information in the
industrial relations field;
(v) identify trends in industrial relations to help their
members to anticipate and keep abreast of change;
(vi) provide adequate advisory services for their members;
(vii) encourage their members to provide adequate educa-
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

tional opportunities for the advancement of their

workers;
(viii) encourage their members to take an interest in their
association and be prepared to contribute to its
resources.

PART111-Personnel Management Practices

9. Employment Policies
Clear, comprehensive and non-discriminatory employment policies
are an indication of the efficiency of an undertaking. The initiation
of such policies is primarily the responsibility of employers, but they
should be developed in consultation or negotiation with workers or
their representatives.
Employment policies should-
(i) provide for proper recruitment and selection, having
regard to the qualification and experience needed to
perform the job;
(ii) have regard to the need for workers to advance them-
selves in the undertaking and so consider filling
vacancies by promotion or transfers;
(iii) make clear to the workers the requirements, terms and
conditions of employment including inter alia-
(a) general conditions of employment;
(b) job requirements and the person to whom the
worker is directly responsible;
(c) disciplinary rules and the procedures for the
examination of grievances;
(d) opportunities for promotion and training;
(e) social welfare services, such as medical care,
canteens, pensions, etc.;
(f) occupational safety health and welfare regda-
tions;
(g) methods of consultation;
(h) any trade union arrangements;
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(i) the company's personnel and industrial relations

policies.
(iv) provide induction training both as to the actual job
performance and as to the policies and procedures
existing in the undertaking, encouraging their adoption
particularly as they relate to safety, health and welfare
matters;
(v) ensure that workers are kept abreast of changing job
techniques by on the job training or by approved
courses;
(vi) not be influenced by conditions relating to age, sex
or other personal factors except where relevant to the
job:
(vii) make provision for workers to further their educa-
tional standard if they so desire, by granting tima off
for such purposes;
(viii) be carried out by competent staff and be subject to
periodic review to ensure efficiency.
10. Manpower use and Planning
Proper manpower utilization policies are essential to efficiency.
Such policies should-
(i) be given high priority and be integrated with other
aspects of planning in the undertaking;
(ii) assess existing manpower resources based on adequate
and up-to-date personnel records:
(iii) identify future manpower needs and formulate and
implement policies for their fulfilment;
(iv) seek to avoid unnecessary fluctuation in the work force
and where such fluctuations are necessary, ensure that
there is a minimum of disruption to the workers con-
cerned;
(v) ensure that the undertakii operates in an efficient
manner by identifying such problems as absenteeism
and high incidence of l a b ~ u rturn-over, recording such
information and taking steps in consultation with
workers or their representatives to correct them.
 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

11. Security of Workers

Recognition is given to the need for workers to be secure in their
employment and management should in so far as is consistent with
operational efficiency-
(i) provide continuity of employment, implementing where
practicable, pension and medical schemes;
(ii) in consultation with workers or their representatives
take all reasonable steps to avoid redundancies;
(iii) in consultation with workers or their representatives
evolve a contingency plan with respect to redundancies
so as to ensure in the event of redundancy that workers
do not face undue hardship. In this regard manage-
ment should endeavour to inform the worker, trade
unions and the Minister responsible for labour as soon
as the need may be evident for such redundancies;
(iv) actively assist workers in securing alternative employ-
ment and facilitate them as far as is practicable in
this pursuit.

12. Working Environment

Various Acts of Parliament lay down minimum standards in respect
of working conditions.
(A) Management in consultation with workers or their representa-
tives should seek to improve these standards.
Management has a duty to-
(i) furnish, equip and otherwise provide factories, work-
shops, offices and other places where work is to be
performed with such facilities as meet the reasonable
requirements of safety, health and welfare regulations
and to adopt suitable measures for the workers pra-
tection, and the prevention of the spread of epidemic
or infectious disease;
(ii) organize work in such a manner as to provide in so
far as is practicable and best guarantee for the workers'
safety and health;
($1 adopt the statutory and other suitable measures for
the prevention of accidents at the work place and
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

to keep at all times such medication and therapeutic

materials as are necessary for the administration
of effective first aid;
(iv) ensure that personnel are trained in first aid techniques
and in such numbers, as to provide for the presence
of at least one such trained worker during working
hours;
(v) display in conspicuous positions at the work place
rules and regulations, statutory or otherwise concerning
safety and health precautions.
(B) The worker has a duty to-
(i) ensure that he understands and observes the safety
and health regulations;
(ii) make use of all protective equipment provided;
(iii) co-operate with management and fellow workers in
the development and implementation of all safety.
health and welfare measures.

13. Payment of Wages

The question of payment for work done is often a contentious area
in industrial relations. Wage systems should be agreed and should
not be in contravention of any statute.
Wage systems should also-
(i) ensure that the agreed wages and rates are paid;
(ii) be kept in simple terms so that workers can understand
them;
(iii) be kept under review to ensure their applicability to
changing circumstances.

PARTIV-Workers Representation and the Collective

Bargaining Process
14. Trade Union Recognition
(i) The Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act and
the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Regula-
tions, 1975, set out the conditions and procedures for
the taking of ballots to determine bargaining rights
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

on behalf of workers. This does not, however, preclude

employers and trade unions from voluntarily determin-
ing claims for bargaining rights where-
(a) there are no other trade unions representing or
claiming to represent the workers in question;
(b) the employer is satisfied that the majority of
workers in the proposed bargaining unit are
members of the applicant union.
(ii) where recognition is accorded voluntarily the employer
should immediately so inform the Ministry of Labour
and Employment stating the name of the trade union,
the date of recognition and the composition of the
bargaining unit;
(iii) the employer and the recognized trade union should
agree on procedures for resolving disputes and
differences and should conduct negotiations in good
faith;
(iv) trade unions recognized for bargaining purposes should
be allowed reasonable facilities to properly represent
their members.

15. Represenration at Place of Employment (Delegares)

To ensure that proper representation of all workers, delegates are
appointed from the work force to represent the interest of the workers
In doing so cognizance must be taken of the size and distribution
of the work force as well as the organization of the establishment.
(i) Trade Unions should-
(a) specify the conditions of eligibility for the selection and
appointment of delegates, and define the manner in which
they can be removed;
(b) provide delegates with written authority setting out their
responsibilities, particularly with regard to industrial
action;
(c) notify the management promptly in writing' when dele-
gates are appointed, the period for which they hold
office, the work groups they represent and any changes
among delegates;
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

( 4 in consultation with management provide for the proper

training of delegates and seek to agree on remuneration
whilst attending training courses;
(e) consider the selection of a chief delegate to co-ordinate
activities and where there is more than one union, seek
agreement with management and that other union for
the co-ordination of delegate activities.
(ii) Management should-
notify delegates of its employment and industrial relations
policies;
consult with delegates on proposed changes in work
programmes and methods or any other matter directly
affecting the workers;
co-operate with delegates in the performance of their
duties and in particular agree on reasonable time off
with pay bo carry out these duties. Where such time
off has not previously been agreed on, request by dele-
gates should be made of the immediate supervisor and
should not be unreasonably withheld;
make available to delegates a list of new workers and
staff changes of particular interest to the bargaining unit,
and offer reasonable facilities to acquaint workers with
union matters.

16. Collective Bargaining

(i) Collective bargaining is the process whereby workers or their
representatives and management negotiate with a view to reaching
agreement on the terms and conditions of employment of the workers
concerned. It should be conducted in an atmosphere of reasonableness
and good faith, and management and unions should take all steps
to ensure that their representatives conduct themselves during negotia-
tions in a manner which will avoid undue acrimony and facilitate the
peaceful and orderly conduct of the negotiations. There should be a
determination to abide by the terms agreed and due regard should
always be paid to the interest of the community.
(ii) Collective bargaining is more meaningful if the parties are
informed on the matters being negotiated. The parties should aim
to meet all reasonable requests for information which is relevant
to the negotiation in hand, and in particular, management should
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 TEE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

make available information which is supplied to their shareholders

or published in annual reports;
(iii) Collective bargaining may take place in relation to the industry
as a whole, or a particdar undertaking, or in relation to a particular
group of employees within an establishment;
(iv) Where negotiations take place at more than one level, their
extent and scope should be clearly defined and properly confined to
matters which can appropriately be dealt with at those levels.
17. Bargaining Units
(i) Section 2 of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act,
defines a bargaining unit as "those workers crr categories of workers
of an employer in relation to whom collective bargaining is or could
appropriately be carried on". The Regulations made under that Act
lay down certain faotoxs to be c m s i & d in the event sf 60 dispute
in relation to workers who should comprise the. bargaining unit. In
addition to these factors, consideration may be given to the following-
(a) the composition of bargaining units should be wide as is
practicabIe so as to avoid a muItipIicity of units within the
same establishment, as too many small units make it difficult
to ensure that related groups of employees are treated
consistently;
(b) the practice of having separate bargaining units for manage-
ment and supervisory p e r s o ~ land excluding them from
other bargaining units;
Qo) that negotiation arrangements may need periodic review but
this must be baBmced against the need to avoid disruption
of existing bargaining units which are working well.
@) Where a dispute exists aver any matter oaaceming the bargain-
hg the parties s b l d elldeavom to wttb the matts by direct
w@ation.
Failing agreement, the parties should utilize the conciliation services
aftk d Labam.

18. Co1lecni)e Agreements

The major aim of the collective bargaining process is to arrive
at terms and conditions acceptable to both employers and workers.
"Fhese terms d conditions are asudly e.mhrinecB im cdectiva agree-
ments, and often contain prme&ral and substantive provisions.
 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(i) Procedural provisions should cover-

(a) arrangements for negotiating terms and conditions of
employment and provision for their re-negotiation;
(b) grievance procedures for settling collective disputes and for
dealing with disciplinary matters;
(c) facilities for trade union activities in the establishment, and
the appointment and functions of delegates;
(6) provisions for joint permanent or ad hoc consultative
committees.
(ii) Substantive provisions should state-
(a) the duration of the agreement;
(b) all matters relating to remuneration;
(c) normal hours of work, provisions for over,time and shift
work;
(6) provisions for vacation, sick, maternity and casual leave;
(e) compensation for job related injuries;
(f) provisions for dealing with redundancies, temporary lay
off and re-hiring;
(g) provisions for determining job performance, job evaluation
and job classification;
(h) provisions for deduction by management from the pay
of members of trade unions, contributions duly authorized
by such members.
(iii) Where practicable, collective agreements should be concluded
on an industry wide level, as this ensures uniformity and consistency
throughout the particular industry. The matters suitable to such agree-
ment may cover-
(a) terms and conditions of employment of general application;
(b) general guidelines as to how and within what limits any
negotiations at the level of an undertaking should be
conducted;
(c) procedures for settling disputes, either on the industry wide
level or in the individual undertaking.
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 (iv) Collective Agreements should be in writing, and management
should send copies of such agreements to the Ministry of Labour
and Employment for their records.
PARTV--Communication and Consultation
19. Communication and Consultation
' Communication and consultation are necessary ingredients in a good

industrial relations policy as these promote a climate of mutual under-

standing and trust which alternately result in increased efficiency and
greater job satisfaction. Management and workers or their representa-
tives should therefore co-operate in promoting communication and
consultation within the organization.
(a) Communication
Communication is a two way flow of information between manage-
ment and workers or their representatives. There should likewise be
scope for a cross flow of information between various departments
of management-
(i) management should following consultation with workers
or their representatives take appropriate measures to
apply an effective policy of communication;
(ii) such measures as are adopted should in no way pre-
judice the position of recognized workers representa-
tives or management and supervisory representatives;
(iii) a communication policy should be adapted to the
nature of the undertaking, its size and composition
and the interest of the workers;
(iv) the most important medium of communication is by
word of mouth through personal contact between
management and workers or workers' representatives.
However, personal contact should be supplemented
where necessary by such means as-
(a) written information by way of house-journals.
bulletins, notice-boards;
(b) meetings for the purpose of exchanging views
and information;
(c) media aimed at permitting workers to submit
suggestions and ideas on the operation of the
undertaking;
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(d) proper orientation courses;

(v) the matters of interest to be communicated include
the operation and future prospects of the undertaking
especially as they affect the worker. Information regard-
ing training, prospects of promotion, general working
conditions, staff welfare services, safety regulations,
social security schemes, transfers, termination of
employment, job description and procedures for the
examination of grievances is a matter which manage-
ment is expected to have readily available in easily
understandable form. Management should undertake to
explain decisions which are likely to affect directly
or indirectly the situation of the workers in the
establishment provided the disclosure of such informa-
tion is not damaging to either of the parties.

(b) Consultation
Consultation is the joint examination and discussion of problems
and matters affecting management and workers. It involves seeking
mutually acceptable solutions through a genuine exchange of views
and information. Management should take the initiative in establishing
and regularising consultative arrangements appropriate to the circum-
stances of the undertaking in co-operation with the workers or their
representatives.
(i) Management should ensure that in establishing consultative
arangements-
(a) all the information necessary for effective consultation
is supplied;
(b) there is adequate opportunity for workers and their repre-
sentatives to expose their views without prejudicibg their
positions in any way;
(c) senior members of management take an active part in con-
sultation;
(4 there is adequate opportunity for reporting back.
(ii) Where formal arrangements exist the rules and procedures as
well as the subjects ,to be discussed should be agreed between
representatives of management and workers.
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

20. Disputes Procedures

Disputes am broadly of two kinds-
(4) disputes d right which involve the application and inter-
pretation of existing agreement or rights; and
(b) disputes of interests which relate to claims by worker^
or proposal by management as to the terms and conditions
d employment.
Management and workers representatives should adopt a procedure
for the settlement of such disputes which-
(i) should be in writing;
(ii) states the level at which an issue should first be
raised;
(i) sets time limits for each stage of the procedure and
provides for extension by agreement;
(iv) precludes industrial action until all stages of the pro-
cedure have been exhausted without sucass;
(v) have recourse bo the Ministry of Labour and Employ-
ment conciliation services.

21. Individual Grievance Procedure

All workers have a right to seek redress for grievanoes relating
t o their employment and management in consultation with workers
or their representatives should establish and publicize arrangements
for the settling of such grievances. The number of stages and the
time allotted between stages will depend on the individual establish-
ment. They should neither be too numerous nor too long if they
are to avoid frustration. The procedure should be in writing and
should indicate-
(i) that the grievance be normally discussed first by the
worker and his immediate supervisor--commonly
referred to as the "first stage";
(ii) that if unresolved at the first stage, the grievance be
referred to the department head, and that the worker
delegate may accompany the worker at this stage-the
seoond stage, if the worker so wishes;
 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(iii) that if the grievance remains unresolved at the second

stage, it be referred to higher management at which
stage it is advantageous that the worker be represented
by a union officer; this is the third stage;
(iv) that on failure to reach agreement at the third stage.
the parties agree to the reference of the dispute to
conciliation by the Ministry of Labour and Employ-
ment;
(v) a time limit between the reference at all stages;
(vi) an agreement to avoid industrial action before the
procedure is exhausted.

22. Disciplinary Procedure

(i) Disciplinary procedures should be agreed between management
and worker representatives and should ensure that fair and effective
arrangements exist for dealing with disciplinary matters. The procedure
should be in writing and should-
(a) specify who has the authority to take various forms of
disciplinary action, and ensure that supervisors do not have
the power to dismiss without reference to more senior
management;
(b) indicate that the matter giving rise to the disciplinary action
be clearly specified and communicated in writirlg to the
relevant parties;
(c) give the worker the opportunity to state his case and the
right to be accompanied by his representatives;
(d) provide for a right of appeal, wherever practicable to a
level of management not previously involved;
(e) be simple and rapid in operation.
(ii) The disciplinary measures taken will depend on the nature of the
misconduct. But normally the procedure should operate as follows-
(a) the first step should be an oral warning, or in the case
of more serious misconduct, a written warning setting out
the circumstances;
(b) no worker should be dismissed for a first breach of dis-
cipline except in the case of gross misconduct;
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

(c) action on any further misconduct, for example. final warn-

ing suspension without pay or dismissal should be recorded
in writing;
(d) details of any disciplinary action should be given in writing
to the worker and to his representative;
(e) no disciplinary action should normally be taken against a
delegate until the circumstances of the case have been
discussed with a full-time official of the union concerned.

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 LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ACT

REGULATIONS
(under section 27)

THE LABOUR
RELATIONS
AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS,
1975
(Made by the Minister on the 1st day of May, 1975) L.N.
135l75.
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Labour Relations and Amd. :
L.N. 1068178
Industrial Disputes Regulations, 1975.
2. In these Regulations-
"list of voters" means the list referred to in paragraph (5) of
regulation 5 as the list of workers who are eligible to vote
in the ballot;
"polling station" means the place provided by an employer pursu-
ant to paragraph (1) of regulation 7;
"presiding officer" means the officer designated by the Minister
under regulation 7 to preside at the taking of the ballot;
"voting period" means the period specified by the Minister under
regulation 7 as the period during which the ballot shall be
taken.
3.-(1) The Minister may cause a ballot to be taken under section
Act if-
a request in writing so to do is made to him by a trade union
(hereinafter referred to as the applicant) and a certificate in
the form set out as Form No. 1 in the Schedule is supplied Schedule.
Form No. 1.
to him; and
he is satisfied that a claim in the form set out as Form No. Form No. 2
2 in the Schedule was served on the employer of the workers
in relation to whom that request has been made; and
a ballot of the workers or category of workers in relation to
whom that request has been made was not taken during the
period of one year immediately preceding the date of that
request, or, where such a ballot was taken during that period,
if he is satisfied that new or unforeseen circumstances have
arisen which, in his opinion, justify the taking of the ballot
for which that request has been made; and
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

(d) he is satisfied, after taking the steps referred to in paragraph

(2). that not less than forty per centum of the workers in
relation to whom that request has been made are members
of the applicant; and
(e) he is satisfied that-
(i) the employer has failed to apply within fifteen days
after the date of service of the claim and that not more
than thirty days have elapsed since that date; or
(ii) the employer has stated that he is not satisfied that
those workers wish a particular trade union to have
bargaining rights in relation to them, or has stated
that he already recognizes a trade union, other than
the applicant, as having bargaining rights in relation
to those workers, or that he will not recognize any
trade union as having bargaining rights in relation to
those workers; and the Minister is satisfied that not
more than fifteen days have elapsed since the date
on which the employer has so stated; or
(iii) the applicant and the employer adopted such means
as were available to them for settlement of the claim
without resort to industrial action, but failed to settle
the claim.
(2) The Minister shall, as soon as is practicable after he receives
a request in relation to which the requirements of paragraph (1). other
than the requirement of sub-paragraph (d) of that paragraph, are satis-
fied, take such steps as he thinks fit to determine whether not less
than forty per centum of the workers in relation to whom request for
the ballot has been made are members of the applicant.
(3) The Minister may, pursuant to paragraph (2) require the
employer to supply him, within such period as the Minister may
specify, with such information as the Minister thinks necessary in
respect of the w0rkers.h relation to whom the request for the ballot
has been made, and in particular may require the employer to state-
(a) the names of those workers and the categories in which they
are employed;
(b) the names of any other workers in his employment and the
categories in which they are employed;
(c) whether he objects to the inclusion, in a voters' list, of the
names of any of the workers in relation to whom the request
for the ballot has been made, and if so, what are the names
of those workers and what are the reasons for his objections:
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, I975

(d) the general nature of his business;

(e) the name of any trade union which he recognizes as having
bargaining rights in relation to the workers referred to in sub-
paragraph (a);
(f) the name of any trade union, other than the applicant, which
has claimed bargaining rights in relation to the workers referred
to in sub-paragraph (a), and the date of the claim of that other
trade union;
(g) whether any collective agreement relating to any workers in
his employment is in force and if so, to which categories it
relates, the date of commencement and the date of expiry.
(4) If any collective agreement containing the terms and condi-
tion of employment of lthe workers in relation to whom the request
for the ballot has been made is in force-
(a) the Minister shall not cause the ballot to be taken earlier than
ninety days before the date on which any subsisting specified
period d that collective agreement is due to expire;
(6) the Minister's decision that a ballot should be taken shall
be subject to the conditions that-
(i) that collective agreement shall not be affected by the
result of the ballot; and
(ii) no negotiations for the making of a new collective
agreement in respect of those workers shall be con-
cluded before the ballot is taken.
(5) The Minister may also require the applicant and the em-
p!oyer on whom the claim was served to produce, within such period
as the Minister may specify, such books and other documents, and
to give him such other information, as he thinks necessary for the
purpose of verifying any information supplied to him pursuant to
paragraph (1) or (3).
(6) Any person who resfuses to supply to the Minister any in-
formation which the Minister, pursuant to this regulation, requires
him in writing to supply, or who wilfully gives false information in a
certificate referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (1) shall be
guilty of an offence and be liable on summary conviction before a
Resident Magistrate to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars.
(7) In paragraph (4) "specified period" means-
(a) in relation to a collective agreement which specifies (in what-
ever manner) any period, not exceeding two years, during
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS A N D INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULJ TIONS, 1975

which that collective agreement shall remain in force, the

entire period so specified;
(b) in relation to any other collective agreement-
(i) the period of two years from the date of commence-
ment (or where no date of commencement is mentioned
in that collective agreement, the period of two years
from the date of execution) of that collective agree-
ment;
(ii) every additional period of two years after the period
specified in sub-paragraph (i);
(iii) any fractional part of two years remaining after any
period specified in sub-paragraph (i) or (sub-paragraph
(ii), as the case may require.
4. If there is a dispute as respects the category of workers of whom
a ballot should be taken or the persons who should be eligible to
vote, the matters which shall be taken into consideration for the
purpose of settling the dispute include-
(a) the community of interest of the workers in that category,
and in particular, whether the duties and responsibilities and
work place are identical for all of those workers;
(b) the history of collective bargaining in relation to the workers
in the employment of the employer concerned, or in relation
to workers employed by other employers in the trade or
business in which that employer is engaged;
(c) the interchangeability of the workers in respect of whom
the dispute arises;
(4 the wishes of the workers in respect of whom the dispute
arises.
5.-31) If there is no dispute as respects the category of workers
of whom a ballot should be taken or the workers who should be
eligible to vote in the ballot, or after the settlement of any dispute
which arises in connection with that matter, the Minister may require
the employer to prepare and certify a list of those workers from his
pay bills, and to furnish the Minister, within such period as he may
specify, with such number of copies of that certified list as he may
require.
(2) The Minister shall, as soon as he receives copies of the
certified list referred to in paragraph (I) cause to be given to the
applicant (and, if there are other trade unions claiming bargaining
rights in relation to the workers whose names appear on the list, to each
of those trade unions) one of those copies.
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

(3) If any trade union to which a copy of the certified list is given
in accordance with paragraph (2) makes to the Minister, within five
days after the copy was given to that trade union, an objection in
writing to the inclusion or omission of any name in or from the
list the Minister shall assist the employer and the trade unions con-
cerned to settle the objection; if they fail to settle the objection the
Minister shall make such inquiries, and examine such documents, as
he thinks fit and settle the objection in such manner as he thinks just.
(4) If the employer and the applicant and any other trade union
claiming bargaining rights in relation to the workers whose names
appear on the certified list referred to in paragraph (1) jointly request
the Minister in writing, before the date specified under regulation 7.
to amend that list, the Minister shall amend the list in accordance
with that request.
(5) The certified list furnished to the Minister under this regula-
tion, with any alteration or amendment made in accordance with
paragraph (3) or (4), shall be the list of the workers who are eligible
to vote in the ballot.
6.-(1) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after the period
of five days referred to in paragraph (3) of regulation 5, cause to be
prepared such number of ballot papers as may be necessary for the
ballot.
(2) Where the applicant is the only trade union claiming bar-
gaining rights in relation to the workers whose names appear on the
list of voters the ballot papers shall be in the form set out as Form
No. 3 in the Schedule. ~orm
schedu~e
NO. 3.
(3) Where any trade union besides the applicant also claims
bargaining rights in relation to the workers whose names appear on
the list of voters-
(a) the ballot papers shall be in the form set out as Form No.
4 in the Schedule; ~orm
NO. 4.
(b) the name of each trade union claiming bargaining rights in
relation to those workers shall be inserted in a separate com-
partment of the first column of the ballot papers, and, subject
to paragraph (4). if any of those trade unions was recognized,
before the preparation of the ballot papers, as having bargain-
ing rights in relation to those workers the name of that trade
union shall be the first one on the ballot papers.
(4) Where any trade union other than the applicant is recognized,
before the preparation of the ballot papers, as having bargaining rights
in relation to the workers whose names appear on the list of voters,
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS A N D INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

that trade union may, if it does not wish its time to be inserted in the
ballot papers, give to the Minister notice in writing of that fact before
the ballot papers are prepared.
(5) Any trade union which gives notice to the Minister in accord-
ance with paragraph (4) shall cease, on the date of that notice, to
be recognized as having bargaining rights in relation to the workers
whose names appear on the list of voters and to take part in any
arrangements for the taking of the ballot, and the name of that trade
union shall not be inserted in the ballot papers.
7.-(1) The employer shall, at the request of the Minister provide
on his premises suitable accommodation for the taking of the ballot.
(2) The Minister shall-
(a) designate such officer in the public service as he thinks fit
to preside at the taking of the ballot;
( b ) invite the employer to nominate an official agent and shall
also invite each trade union whose name appears on the ballot
papers to nominate one official agent;
(c) after consultation with the employer and the trade unions
whose names appear on the ballot papers, specify the date
on which, and the period during which, the ballot shall be
taken, so, however, that that period shall, to such extent as
is practicable, be a period during which the workers whose
names appear on the list of voters are required, in accordance
with their contracts of employment, to be at work.
8.-(1) The presiding officer shall, on the date, and before the com-
mencement of the voting period, be present at the polling station
and shaIl have in his possession-
(a) the ballot papers prepared under regulation 6 ;
( b ) a ballot box;
Schedule.
(c) a supply of challenging forms in the form set out as Form
Form NO. 5 . No. 5 in the Schedule:
(d) the list of voters;
(e) a supply of pencils and envelopes.
(2) All official agents nominated in accordance with the invitation
of the Minister are entitled to be present, during the period specified
for the holding of the ballot, at the place provided therefor, and may-
(a) identify or challenge any person applying for a ballot paper;
(b) ensure that the ballot is conducted in accordance with these
Regulations.
(3) The employer shall permit every worker whose name appears
on the list of voters to be absent from work for such portion of the
voting period as may be necessary for that worker to cast his vote:
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

Provided that-
that portion of the voting period shall not exceed two hours
(exclusive of the time usually allowed to that worker for
taking his meal); and
the times at which, and the numbers in which, workers shall
be released by the employer for the purpose of casting their
votes shall be so arranged as to ensure that all the workers
whose names appear on the list of voters will have an
opportunity to cast their votes during the voting period.
(4) Every worker who is permitted to be absent from work in
accordance with paragraph (3) shall be deemed, for the purposes of
computing his wages and of determining any of his other rights as a
worker, to have been at work during the period of such absence.

9.-(1) Any worker whose name appears on the list of voters is

entitled to apply to the presiding officer for a ballot paper, and to
cast his vote, during the voting period.
(2) Where a person applies for a ballot paper, the presiding officer
shall, in the presence of all official agents in the polling station, ask
that person to give his name and shall check whether the name given
appears on the list of voters and whether that person has already voted.
(3) If the name given appears on the list of voters the presiding
officer shall give a ballot paper to the person applying for it if he has
not already voted and shall explain to him that he should vote by
placing the symbol " X in the appropriate space opposite the word
or trade union (as the case may require) of his choice and fold the
ballot paper so that no one can see, without unfolding the ballot paper.
how he voted.
(4) The presiding officer shall-
(a) unless a person to whom a ballot paper is given states that
he is unable to mark the ballot paper, give him a pencil and
direct him to a part of the place provided for the holding
of the ballot where he may mark the ballot paper in secret;
(6) if that person states that he is unable to mark the ballot paper.
ask him in the presence of all the official agents at the place
provided for the holding of the ballot, how he wishes to vote.
and then mark the ballot paper in accordance with the wish
of that person;
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 THE LABOUR REEATIONS A N D INDUSTREAL WSPQTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

(c) after the ballot paper has been marked, instruct the votw to
deposit the folded ballot paper in the ballot box in the view
of all the persons present.
(5) Any official agent who claims that a person who has applied
foa a ballot paper is not one of the persons whose names appear on
tht; list of voters may, before that person is given the balllot paper.
inform the presiding officer that he wishes to challenge that person
and may thereupon record his challenge by completing and signing
two copies of the challenging forms referred to in sub-paragraph (c)
of paragraph (1) of regulation 8 and giving them to the presiding
officer, who shall then, except in the case referred to in panagaph (3,
permit that person to votk and shall, after his ballot paper has been
marked, place it and one copy of the completed challenging forms into
an envelope, seal the envelope, mark on the outside thereof the name
of that person and the words "Challenged Ballot", and deposit the
envelope in the ballot box.
(6) The presiding officer shall keep the other copy of the com-
pleted challenging forms in another envelope, which shall not be
deposited in the ballot box.
(7) If all the official agents present agree that a person who has
been challenged shall not be permitted to vote the presiding o5cer
shall not permit him to vote.
10. During the voting period-
(a) no person other than the presiding officer, his assistant (if
any), official agents and persons waiting to cast their votes
shall be permitted to be in the polling station;
(b) no person shall, in any part of the premises in whkh the
polling station is situated, seek to influence arry pemm whose
name is on rhe list of voters as to whether, or in Miat manna,
he should vote, or seek to ascertain how that person intends
to vote or has voted.
11. At the end of the voting period the presiding officer shall seal
the ballot box in the view of all persons present and shall then take
the ballot box and deposit it in a secure place approved by the Minister.
1 2 4 1 ) On a day appointed by the Minister for the aounting of the
votes-
(a) the Minister shall, after examining tha copies of completed
challenging €oms kept by the presiding offioer in accordance
with paragraph (6) of regulation 9, decide whetherr the vote
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

of the person referred to in any of those forms should or

should not be counted;
(b) the presiding officer or any other person authorized by the
Minister to count the votes shall-
(i) take the ballot box from the place in which it was
being kept, remove the seal and open the ballot box;
(ii) remove from the ballot box all envelopes which were
inserted therein pursuant to paragraph (5) of regutla-
tion 9;
(iii) where the Minister decided, under sub-paragraph (a),
that the vote of any person should be counted, remove
from its envelope the ballot paper marked by that
person, and taking care not to unfold the ballot paper.
place it among the other ballot papers in the ballot
box;
(iv) count the votes on the ballot papers in the ballot box.
(2) Official agents are entitled to be present at the counting
of the votes, but the validity of the ballot shall not be affected by
the absence of any official agent.
(3) The person counting the votes shall, as soon as the counting
has been completed, prepare and submit to the Minister a report in
the form set out as Form No. 6 in the Schedule. Schedule.
Form No. 6.
(4) The certificate required by subsection (4) of section 5 of
the Act to be issued by the Minister shall be in the form set out as
Form No. 7 in the Schedule. F W NO.
~ 7.

13.-(1) After the votes have been counted the list of voters, and
all the ballot papers, used in the taking of the ballot shall be stored
in a safe place and shall be kept there for such period after the date
of counting, which shall not be less than two months, as the Minister
shall determine.
(2) Any dispute arising from the manner in which the ballot
was taken may, if it is not settled, be reported to the Minister within
seven days after the taking of the ballot and the Minister shall settle
the dispute in a manner appearing to him to be just.
14. Any person who contravenes any provision of these Regulations
for the contravention of which no penalty is provided elsewhere in these
Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on summary
conviction before a Resident Magistrate to a fine not exceeding two
hundred dollars.
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS A N D INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE5
REGULATIONS, 1975

SCHEDULE
Form No. 1 (Regulation 3 (1) )
Certificate
In respect of the claim of the ...............................................................
(Name of trade union)
for representational rights on behalf of he employees of .................................
................................................................................................................
(Name of Employer)
I required the SecretaryITreasurer of the aforesaid trade union to produce
to me the following books and records of that trade union for checks-
(a) the membership roll;
( b ) the ledger.
On examination those books and records show that ....................................
(number)
employees of the said employer as per list of names and categories attached
hereto were enrolled on or before the .........................................................
(Date o f claim)
as bona fide members of the said ...............................................................
(Name of trade union)
and that .............................................dues cards have been issued to these
(number)
members; and that the said ..........................................employees have paid
(number)
their entrance fees and are bona fide members of the said trade union, in
good financial standing.
Signature.. .........................................................
(Auditor)

Form No. 2 (Regulation 3 (1) )

Claim by Trade Union for Recognition
To........................................................................................................
(Name o f employer)
* ............................................................................................................
(Address)
The.. ....................................................................................................
(Name o f trade union)
of.. .............................................................................................................
(Registered address)
hereby claims bargaining rights in respect of your employees specified in
the particulars hereto appended.
Particulars
1. Address of the employer's e s t a b l i h e n t / s involved-
..............................................................................................................
2. General nature of business at the establishment-
..............................................................................................................
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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS A N D INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

SCHEDULE,
contd.
Form No. 2. cantd.
3. Description of the categorylcategories claimcd-
..............................................................................................................
Dated this.. ...................day of. ............................................ 19......

Signature.........................................................
Office...........................................................
of
...............................................................
(trade union)

Form No. 3 (Regulation 6 (2) )

Ballot Paper
Do you wish ....................................................................
t o represent you
(Name of trade union)
Yes.. .........................................................................................................

Form No. 4 (Regulation 6 (3) )

Ballot Paper
(Name of trade union)
(Name of trade union)

Form No. 5 (Regulation 8 (I) )

Challenging form
Name of worker .......................................................................................
Category.. .................................................................................................
Name and Title of person challenging.........................................................

Grounds of challenge.................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Dated this .....................day of .............................................19......

Signature.. ........................................................
Office.. ........................................................ of

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 THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
REGULATIONS, 1975

Form No. 6 (Regulation 12 (3) )

Report on Ballot Results
I hereby report that the ballot taken at the premises of ..............................
..............................................................................................................
(Name of employer)
at .........................................................on the ..............................day of .
(Address)
....................................19........., involving.....................................and the
(Name o f employer)
................................................................................... resulted as follows :
(Names o f trade unionls)
The number of names on the list of voters .............................................
The number of persons who voted .........................................................
*The number voting for...........................................................................
(trade union)
....................................
(trade union)
*The number voting "yes"
*The number voting "no"
The number which did not vote
The number of rejected votes
Total
Signature o f person counting the votes
Form No. 7 (Regulation 12 (4) )
Certificate under section 5 (4) of the Act
I hereby certify that the result of the ballot involving..............................
..........................................................................................................and
(Name o f employer)
....................................................................................which was taken at
(trade unionls)
.............................................on ..................day of ...................................
(Address)
19........., is as follows:
Total number of persons eligible to vote ....................................
The number which voted ..........................................................
*The number voting for ............................................................
(trade union)
......................................................
(trade union)
*The number voting "yes" ...........................
*The number voting "no" ...........................
The number which did not vote ...........................
The number of rejected votes ...........................
Total
...............................................................
Signature
*Delete where not applcabde.

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