Trade unions in India emerged as collective organisations of workers to protect their economic, social and political interests in the context of industrialisation and colonial rule. Over time, they have become key institutions in employment relations, influencing wages, working conditions, labour policies and the balance of power between labour and management. The functions and significance of trade unions must be understood alongside the evolving structure of unions, issues of recognition, and the growing role of managerial unions and employers’ organisations, all of which have shaped the employment relations climate in India. The primary function of trade unions is to safeguard the economic interests of workers. They engage in collective bargaining with employers to negotiate wages, allowances, incentives and other monetary benefits. By presenting a united front, unions enhance the bargaining power of individual workers, who would otherwise be weak in negotiations with management. Trade unions also work to secure better working conditions, including reasonable working hours, occupational safety, health measures and welfare facilities. In industries with hazardous work environments, unions have played an important role in pressing for safety standards and compensation mechanisms. Another significant function of trade unions is the protection of workers’ rights and job security. Unions represent workers in disputes related to unfair dismissal, retrenchment, layoffs and disciplinary actions. They provide legal assistance and support in labour courts and industrial tribunals, ensuring that statutory rights under labour laws are upheld. Through grievance handling and dispute resolution, unions act as an intermediary between workers and management, reducing the likelihood of arbitrary managerial decisions and industrial unrest. Trade unions also perform an important