The Industrial Disputes Act provides several rights to workers, including protection against layoffs and retrenchment, the right to strike, and the establishment of mechanisms for settling industrial disputes. It also mandates compensation for retrenched workers and allows for reemployment opportunities. Additionally, the Act prohibits unfair labor practices and ensures trade union recognition, empowering workers to collectively bargain.

Under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, workers in India are granted several important legal rights and protections aimed at ensuring fair treatment, industrial harmony, and mechanisms for resolving workplace disputes. Here are the key rights provided by the Act:

Key Rights of Workers under the Industrial Disputes Act
1. Right to Raise Industrial Disputes
Any workman can raise a dispute regarding matters such as wages, working conditions, layoffs, retrenchments, dismissals, or any other employment-related issues.

Disputes can be raised individually or collectively through trade unions.

2. Right to Conciliation, Arbitration, and Adjudication
Workers have access to dispute resolution mechanisms, including:

Conciliation: Mediation by government-appointed officers to facilitate settlement.

Arbitration: Voluntary reference of disputes to an arbitrator agreed upon by both parties.

Adjudication: If conciliation fails, disputes can be referred to Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals, or National Tribunals for binding decisions.

3. Protection Against Unfair Labour Practices
The Act prohibits employers from engaging in unfair labour practices such as victimization, wrongful dismissal, or interference with trade union activities.

"Protected workmen" (trade union office bearers) enjoy special immunity from dismissal or punitive action during the pendency of industrial dispute proceedings.

4. Rights Related to Strikes and Lockouts
Workers have the right to strike, but must follow legal procedures and notice requirements.

The Act defines legal and illegal strikes and provides protection for workers participating in legal strikes.
It also prohibits financial aid to illegal strikes and lockouts.

5. Compensation and Protection in Case of Layoff, Retrenchment, and Closure
Workers are entitled to compensation in cases of layoff, retrenchment, or closure of establishments.

Employers must follow due process, including notice and payment of compensation, before retrenching workers or closing an undertaking.

6. Re-employment and Preference
Retrenched workers have a right to preference in re-employment if vacancies arise within a specified period after retrenchment.

7. Right to Representation
Workers can be represented by trade unions or legal representatives in proceedings under the Act.

8. Right to Information and Confidentiality
Workers are entitled to information about settlements, awards, and proceedings, with certain matters kept confidential as per the Act