The Government of Maharashtra, Industry, Energy, Labour and Mining Department has published draft rules titled the Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 in the state gazette dated 28 April 2026. Issued under Section 19(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (No. 35 of 2020), these draft rules repeal the Industrial Disputes (Maharashtra) Rules, 1957, the Maharashtra Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1959, and the Maharashtra Trade Union Regulations, 1927. The notification invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 45 days of publication.

Key Highlights of the Notification

  • Applicability:
    • Rules apply across the entire state of Maharashtra.
  • Definitions:
    • Terms such as “Code,” “Electronic format,” “Employer,” and “Settlement Agreement” are defined in alignment with the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
  • Employer Designation:
    • For state-run establishments, the officer in charge is deemed the employer unless otherwise specified.
  • Settlement Agreements (Rule 4):
    • Written agreements between employers and workers must follow prescribed formats.
    • Agreements must be signed by authorized employer representatives and designated trade union officials or worker representatives.
    • Settlements reached during conciliation proceedings require submission to the state government or authorized officers.
    • Settlements outside conciliation must be jointly submitted electronically or by registered post to the Labour Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner.
  • Record-Keeping:
    • Conciliation officers must maintain registers of all settlements, including details of parties, dates, and whether the settlement was reached through conciliation or direct negotiation.
  • Bipartite Forums (Rule 5):
    • Employers must constitute Works Committees to promote harmony and good relations between employers and workers.
    • Committee membership capped at 20, with equal or greater representation for workers compared to employers.
    • Adequate representation for women workers is mandatory, proportionate to their presence in the establishment.
    • Worker representatives to be nominated by recognized negotiating unions, negotiating councils, or elected directly by workers where no union exists.
    • Employers may conduct elections electronically via IT applications or online platforms.

Impact on Employers and Employees

  • For Employers: The draft rules mandate structured settlement procedures and formalized bipartite forums, requiring employers to update compliance practices and ensure proper documentation of agreements.
  • For Employees: Workers gain stronger representation through Works Committees and formalized settlement procedures, ensuring transparency and recognition of trade unions in industrial relations.
  • For HR/Compliance Teams: Immediate review of draft rules is necessary to prepare objections or suggestions within the 45-day window and to align workplace practices with the proposed framework under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

For detailed reading of this notification and to access all other important updates, please visit the Notifications tab on our website.

Disclaimer: This news post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to consult the official gazette notification issued by the Government of Maharashtra or seek professional legal counsel before taking any compliance-related action.