Draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026: Key Highlights, Aims & Major Changes

On 28 April 2026, the Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department issued Draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026, to modernize industrial relations administration, promote industrial peace, protect workers’ rights, and support ease of doing business in Maharashtra through balanced, transparent, and efficient regulatory mechanisms.

All you need to know about the Draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026:

1. These Rules will come under the ambit of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

2. Once these Draft Rules have been considered by the Government of Maharashtra after the expiry of 45 days from the date of publication of this notification in the Maharashtra Government Gazette, i.e. on 15 June 2026, the following will stand repealed:

   • Industrial Disputes (Maharashtra) Rules, 1957;

   • Maharashtra Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1959;

   • Maharashtra Trade Unions Regulations, 1927

3. Aims to:

   • Ensure harmonious industrial relations;

   • Protect the rights and interests of workers and employers;

   • Provide procedural clarity;

   • Strengthen compliance and accountability;

   • Reduce industrial disputes and litigation;

   • Update and align existing rules;

   • Promote industrial peace and productivity.

   The draft Rules seek to create a stable, fair, and efficient industrial relations ecosystem in Maharashtra, supporting both workers’ welfare and sustainable industrial development.

4. Memorandum of settlement:

   • If an industry is run by the State Government, the officer in charge of the establishment will be treated as the employer under these rules.

   • Any settlement reached during conciliation or through a written agreement outside conciliation will be recorded in Form I.

   • The settlement:

     ✓ If settled during conciliation, the conciliation officer must send a report and a copy of the settlement to the State Government or authorized officers.

     ✓ If settled outside of conciliation, both parties must jointly send a copy to the labor authorities and conciliation officer concerned.

   • The conciliation officer will have to maintain a register of all settlements in their area including details such as industry name, parties, date, and whether the settlement was through conciliation or mutual agreement.

   • The conciliation officer’s signature will not be required for settlements made outside of conciliation.

   • Parties are free to settle disputes on mutually agreed terms, and such settlements need not be in Form I if made outside conciliation.

5. Works Committee:

   • This committee will be constituted by every employer to promote measures for securing and preserving amity and good relations between the employer and workers.

   • The number of members constituting the Committee will be fixed to afford representation to the various categories, groups and class of workers engaged in, and to the sections, shops, or departments of the industrial establishment which should not exceed 20.

   • Term of Office:

     ✓ Except for members filling out a casual vacancy, members of the Committee will hold office for 3 years.

     ✓ A member appointed to fill in a casual vacancy will serve only for the remaining term of the previous member.

     ✓ Any member who misses 3 consecutive Committee meetings without permission shall lose their membership automatically.

6. Subscription by members to Trade Union will be approved by the Registrar on a monthly, quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis, which should not be less than Rs. 10 per month.

7. Application for Registration of Trade Union will be made to the Registrar, and he has the power to decide this application within a period of 90 days.

8. The Draft Rules majorly covers the following topics:

   • The draft focuses on clarifying definitions such as employer and industrial establishment, especially for government-controlled industries.

   • It lays down structured procedures for the recognition and functioning of trade unions, collective bargaining, and representation of workers.

   • A major emphasis is placed on the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes, with detailed provisions on conciliation, settlements, written agreements, and record maintenance.

   • Settlements can be reached both during and outside conciliation proceedings, with flexibility in formats and increased use of electronic communication.

   • The Draft Rules define the roles, powers, and responsibilities of labor authorities, committees, and conciliation officers, including fixed terms of office and accountability measures.

   • They promote digital record-keeping, transparency, and time-bound actions to reduce delays and litigation.

Also Read-

All you need to know about Statewise implementation of Labour Codes

Call for Participation | Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai to Organise First Edition of the International Labour Law Conference on New Labour Codes in India: Contemporary Issues, Implementation Challenges and Global Perspectives

Repealing Provisions Revised Under the Industrial Relations Code

Industrial Relations Code (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2025 — Continuity of Adjudication for Pending Cases

[Draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026, dt. 28 April 2026]