Tripartism
Also called: Tripartite consultation · Topic: Employment, Unemployment and Informalisation · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Tripartism means three groups work together on labour matters: the government, employers and workers' organisations such as trade unions. They talk and agree on labour standards, wages and labour laws. In India this happens mainly through the Indian Labour Conference, a national meeting of all three sides. It matters because rules made with workers and employers in the room are fairer and easier to enforce.
Example
Before labour laws are changed, government, employer bodies and central trade unions are expected to discuss the drafts together. Critics say there was little tripartite consultation before the 29 central labour laws were merged into the four labour codes, which came into force on 21 November 2025.
Don't confuse with
- Collective bargaining: this has only two sides. Employers negotiate with groups of workers, usually through unions, over wages and conditions. The government does not sit at the table.
Related concepts
- Labour laws
- Floor wage
- Fair wage
- Living wage
- Need-based minimum wage
- Lay-off
- Retrenchment
- Hire and fire
- Standing orders
- Fixed-term employment