Experts harp on transforming the industrial relations
Jamshedpur : Issues concerning the changing workforce and transforming the industrial relations scenario took centre stage at the 6th National IR conference organised by FIRE@X, forum for industrial relations at XLRI.
The participation of eminent academicians, industry experts, union activists, and budding managers from premium institutes like TISS, XIMB, XISS Ranchi and IIM Ranchi, provided a platform for a stimulating discussion on the theme �Changing workforce and the transforming IR scenario�.
Professor E A Ramaswamy an eminent academician and a stalwart in the field of Indian Industrial Relations was the guest of honour.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr.Ramkumar Executive Director ICICI Bank Ltd who is responsible for Human Resources, customer and Operations.
He emphasized upon the importance of the managers being the custodians of the people who are working under them, and also of the capital of the shareholders.
He also raised pertinent questions about the increasing use of contract labour in organizations and the increasing use of hire and fire policies used.
He explicated that the role of the managers was to ensure social justice and productivity of capital. The first day also witnessed an engrossing panel discussion on �Changing Workforce- their aspirations and expectations�, which was moderated by Prof.Santanu Sarkar Chairperson HRM Area XLRI.
The discussion was initiated by XLRI alumnus MR. Alfred Osta, Executive Vice President Mahindra & Mahindra. He talked about the importance of HR practices amidst the increasing globalization, and competition.
Dr. Debi Saini, professor and Chairperson HRM area MDI, Gurgaon briefly explicated upon the various types of trade unions. He was of the view that psychological contract lead to success.
MR. GautamMody, general secretary NTUI threw light on the aspects of economic justice and social justice as a result of the development that has occurred over the last couple of decades. He underscored the importance of growth in wage for the economy to grow along with dignity at work.
Dr.Prasenjit Bose a PhD scholar on economics from Centre of Economic Studies and Planning, JNU argued for the relevance of the trade unions in India in spite of the changing nature of work and the changing aspirations of the work force.
The final speaker Dr. Noronha Ernesto, PhD from TISS and currently professor at IIM-A delved on some of the labour aspects in the IT/ITES/BPO sector and concluded the panel discussion by highlighting important issues of work life balance and employer bargaining models.
The panel discussion witnessed some stimulating exchange of ideas by the enthusiastic participants.
