UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Trade unionists and stories beyond labour rights

Q1. In the context of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 effective from 21 November 2025, what is meant by the term 'Negotiating Union'?

  • A. A registered trade union that has at least 51% of the workers of an establishment on its membership rolls, recognised as the sole bargaining agent
  • B. A consortium constituted by every registered trade union in an establishment, each having at least 20% membership of workers
  • C. A trade union nominated by the employer to officially represent workers in collective bargaining
  • D. A federation of trade unions registered with the Central Trade Union Coordination Committee

Q2. Which Union Ministry is the nodal authority that brought the four Labour Codes into force with effect from 21 November 2025?

  • A. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  • C. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • D. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Q3. Among the four Labour Codes that came into effect on 21 November 2025, which one is the principal legislation governing the recognition of trade unions and collective bargaining?

  • A. The Code on Wages, 2019
  • B. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020
  • C. The Code on Social Security, 2020
  • D. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

Q4. The Committee on Freedom of Association, which can examine complaints alleging violations of trade union rights even against ILO member States that have not ratified Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, was established in 1951 under the authority of which body?

  • A. The United Nations Economic and Social Council
  • B. The ILO Governing Body
  • C. The International Labour Conference of the ILO
  • D. The United Nations Human Rights Council