West Bengal Govt. publishes draft of the West Bengal Industrial Relations Rules, 2026

The Government of West Bengal has published the Draft West Bengal Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 (“Draft Rules”) under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (“Code”). The Draft Rules extend to the whole state of West Bengal and matters for which the State Government is the appropriate Government.

Stakeholders may submit any objections/suggestions, if any, to the Secretary, Labour Department through e-mail at labourcode.ir.ruleswb@gmail.com, by 27^th August 2026, i.e., within a period of 45 days from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette. Comments must be sent in a proforma containing the following columns:

• Specifying name and address of the person/organization,
• Specifying rule/sub-rule which is proposed to be modified, and
• Specifying the revised rule/sub-rule proposed to be substituted and reasons therefor.

Key proposals under the Draft Rules:

1. Provisions mandating written agreements between employers and workers for dispute settlements, to be submitted to Conciliation Officers on prescribed forms.

2. Provisions specifying the constitution of Works Committees within industrial establishments including representation from both employers and workers.

3. Provisions pertaining to Trade Unions and the manner of subscription, registration, annual audit, annual returns, and recognition of Trade Unions.

4. Comprehensive provisions concerning Standing Orders, covering the procedure for forwarding information to the Certifying Officer, the manner of choosing representatives, and the certification of Standing Orders.

5. The procedure for intending any notice of change relating to the conditions of service applicable to any worker and providing a notice for the same.

6. Mechanisms for resolution of industrial dispute by voluntary reference to arbitration and the manner of holding conciliation proceedings.

7. Provision pertaining to the number of persons by whom the notice of strike should be given, the person or persons to whom such notice is to be given and the manner of giving such notice.

8. The manner and procedures pertaining to lay-off, retrenchment, re-employment of workers and closure of the industrial establishment.

9. Introduction of ‘Worker Re-skilling Fund’ which is proposed to be funded by employer contributions.

10. The manner in which the Trade Unions and councils must notify employers every year stating which of their members should be recognized as protected workers.

11. Provision mandating that all records, registers, forms, notices, display boards and other documents required to be maintained under the Code and the rules must also be maintained in electronic manner in the prescribed format, containing the required information. They must comply with the requirement of retention of records and be produced as and when required.

Source: Labour Department, Government of West Bengal