The IDA establishes a multi-tiered conciliation, mediation, and adjudication network to settle industrial disputes and maintain peace.
1. Non-Adjudicatory Authorities (Amicable Settlement)
- Works Committee (Section 3): Formed in establishments employing 100 or more workmen. Promotes measures for securing and preserving amity and good relations.
- Conciliation Officers (Section 4): Appointed by the government to mediate and hold conciliation proceedings. If a settlement is reached, they register a Section 12(3) Settlement. If it fails, they submit a Failure Report under Section 12(4).
- Board of Conciliation (Section 5): An ad-hoc board with an independent chairman and equal representatives of parties to resolve complex disputes.
2. Adjudicatory Authorities (Judicial Intervention)
- Labour Courts (Section 7): Presided over by a judicial officer. Adjudicates matters like propriety of orders, discharge/dismissal, strikes/lockouts (listed in the Second Schedule).
- Industrial Tribunals (Section 7A): Adjudicates matters relating to wages, hours, bonus, retrenchment, and closure (listed in the Second and Third Schedules).
- National Tribunals (Section 7B): Appointed by the Central Government to resolve disputes of national importance or those affecting establishments in multiple states.
3. Reference of Disputes (Section 10)
Adjudicating bodies have zero self-cognizance. A dispute can only be heard if the appropriate government makes an official Reference of the dispute under Section 10 to a Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal.