CRITICAL STAGES IN LABOUR RELATIONS: A LEGAL ANALYSIS

Labour relations constitute the legal and institutional framework that governs the relationship
between employers, employees, trade unions, and the State. In contemporary industrial
jurisprudence, these relations pass through distinct and critical stages, beginning with the
formation of employment and extending to collective bargaining, industrial conflict, dispute
resolution, and enforcement. This article examines each of these stages through the lens of
labour law, with particular reference to the Indian legal framework and judicial interpretation.
The study argues that effective labour regulation must strike a balance between economic
efficiency and social justice. It further highlights the impact of recent labour law reforms and
the challenges posed by globalization, informal employment, and the gig economy.