The Uttar Pradesh Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 – Key framework and employer compliance dated March 10, 2026

The Government of Uttar Pradesh notified the draft Uttar Pradesh Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 (“IR Rule”) on March 10, 2026. These rules are proposed in exercise of powers under sub-section (1) of section 99 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (“Code”). Once finalized, these rules will supersede several historic regulations, including the Uttar Pradesh Trade Union Regulation, 1927, the Industrial Disputes (Uttar Pradesh) Rules, 1976, and the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Relations Rules, 2021. The objective is to ensure state-level consistency with the operational framework of the Industrial Relations Code and the Central Rules, 2025.

The 2026 Rules mandate specific structural frameworks for internal communication and dispute resolution within industrial establishments. Every qualifying employer must constitute a Works Committee, capped at twenty members, where worker representation must equal or exceed that of the employer, including proportional representation for women. Additionally, establishments with twenty or more workers must form a Grievance Redressal Committee (“GRC”) of up to ten members with equal representation from both sides. The rules also streamline trade union recognition – a single union with at least thirty percent membership is recognized as the sole negotiating body, while multiple unions must undergo a secret ballot verification process to determine a negotiating union or council.

Procedural obligations under the rules clarify the adoption of Standing Orders and methods for communicating service changes. If an employer adopts the Central Government’s model standing orders and the certifying officer offers no feedback within thirty days, they are deemed certified. Any changes to service conditions listed in the Third Schedule require a formal notice in Form-XIX, served electronically or via registered post and displayed at the premises. Furthermore, employers and workers can choose to resolve disputes through voluntary arbitration by signing an agreement in Form-XX, which must be executed by the employer or an authorized manager for corporate entities.