•The position of trade unionism in India is not very sound. In fact, the trade union movement is wanting in many respects. This is because of the fact that the Indian trade unions of today suffer from many problems.



•1. Uneven Growth: Trade union activities are concentrated in large scale industry sector and there too in regard to manual labour only and mainly in bigger industrial centres.
•2. Low Membership : The number of trade unions in India has increased considerably. But this has been followed by the declining membership per union. Any seven workers may form a union under the Trade Unions Act 1926 and get it registered.
•3. Outside Leadership : Another remarkable feature of trade unionism in India has been domination by outside leadership down to the present day. The leadership of professional politicians is interested in exploiting workers for their political purpose.
•4. Multiplicity of Unions : Another problem of trade unionism in India is that of multiplicity of unions. The exist many trade unions in the same establishment. Any seven person persons can get together to form a union.
5. Inter-Union Rivalry : Due to the existence of multiple unions there occurs the problem of union rivalry. Union try to play down each other in a bid to gain greater influence among workers.
6. Absence of Paid Office-Bearers : Majority of unions do not have whole time paid office-bearers. Many union activists work on honorary basis. They devote only limited time and energy to trade union activities. The domination of political leaders is also due to the absence of full time union workers. The union office bearers are also not trained properly. They lack the knowledge of basic principles and practices of trade unionism.
7. Weak Financial Position : The financial position of the trade unions is very weak because their average yearly income is very low and inadequate.
8. Lack of Interest : In order to make the trade union movement succeed, the members of trade unions should take keen interest in the union affairs. They should understand what unionism is all about and what demands it makes on individual members.
9. Limited Stress on Welfare : Many unions in India undertake only limited welfare activities. They feel that their major activity is to fight with the employer for more wages and allowances. Other activities like opening a co-operative bank or store, provision of educational and medical facilities, provision of welfare facilities, etc. are not undertaken by many unions. As a result, workers are not attracted towards unions.
10. Lack of Public Support : The trade unions frequently resort to strikes and demonstrations. They give limited attention to peaceful methods for the settlement of demands and disputes. The general public is affected due to strikes, go slow policy and other practices of unions. As a result, public support or sympathy is not available the unions. The general public opinion is not favorable to unions and their unfair activities.