Key Changes

Worker Wage Threshold

Before

Supervisory employees up to ₹10,000/month covered

After

Supervisory employees up to ₹18,000/month covered

Why it matters: More supervisors now classified as workers with union rights

Fixed-Term Employment

Before

Not recognized as separate category; often treated as contract labour

After

Explicit legal status with benefits equal to permanent workers

Why it matters: Legitimizes fixed-term hiring while protecting worker rights

Standing Orders Applicability

Before

Establishments with 100+ workers

After

Establishments with 300+ workers (can be modified by state)

Why it matters: Reduced compliance burden for smaller establishments

Lay-off/Retrenchment Permission

Before

Required for establishments with 100+ workers

After

Required for establishments with 300+ workers (can be modified by state)

Why it matters: Greater flexibility for medium-sized establishments

Trade Union Recognition

Before

Recognition was employer's discretion

After

Statutory right to recognition as negotiating union/council

Why it matters: Unions have legal backing for recognition

Strike/Lock-out Notice

Before

Only public utility services required 14-day notice

After

ALL industrial establishments require 14-day notice

Why it matters: Uniform notice requirement across all industries

Industrial Tribunal Structure

Before

Single member tribunal

After

Two-member tribunal (Judicial + Administrative)

Why it matters: More balanced adjudication process