Socio-Legal Field Study on Trade Unions in Siliguri's Transport Sector

01-06-2026

Course: 3Years IV semester
Course Teacher: Ms.Dichen Bhutia
Topic: A Socio-Legal Study on the Functioning and Effectiveness of Registered Trade Unions in the Transport Sectors of Siliguri under the Trade Unions Act, 1926

This socio-legal research study examines the functioning, role, and effectiveness of registered trade unions operating in the transport sector of Siliguri under the provisions of the Trade Unions Act, 1926. Siliguri, being an important commercial and transportation hub connecting North Bengal and the Northeastern states, has a large number of transport workers engaged in bus services, truck and goods carriage, auto-rickshaw operations, and e-rickshaw services.

The study focuses on understanding how trade unions protect the rights and welfare of workers and how effectively labour laws are implemented in practice.

For the purpose of field research, the students conducted surveys and interviews in major transport areas of Siliguri, namely Junction, Darjeeling More, and Shivmandir. During the survey, both registered and unregistered trade unions were studied to make a comparative analysis regarding their structure, membership, legal recognition, dispute resolution mechanisms, and role in safeguarding workers’ interests.

The study revealed that registered trade unions generally possess better organizational structure, legal recognition, and bargaining power before authorities and employers. They are more capable of representing workers in matters relating to wages, working conditions, social security, and welfare benefits. In contrast, unregistered unions, though active at the grassroots level, often lack legal protection, formal recognition, and financial stability, which limits their effectiveness in collective bargaining and labour dispute.

Overall, the project adopts a socio-legal approach by combining legal analysis with empirical field data collected from transport workers and union representatives in Siliguri. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the real condition of trade unions in the transport sector and suggests the need for stronger implementation of labour laws, greater awareness among workers, and improved coordination between trade unions and government authorities.

Students Involved:

Manoj Roy
Ayanangshu Biswas
Shipra Majumdar
Amit Kumar
Prem Kumar Chaudhary