Abstract

The case “IRCTC Announces Termination of Contract Workers – A Step in the Right Direction?” focuses on the interests of contract workers who are part of the alternative work arrangements being increasingly adopted by companies. The case first describes the objectives of Indian Railways and its arm, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), to hire contract employees as part of their operations plan. The case then talks about the common reasons given by these employers for terminating the contract workers. The case touches on the concerns raised by the contract workers with regard to their termination. It ends with a look at a few policy initiatives taken up by Indian Railways to safeguard the interests of contract workers and the future plans of the railway operator to privatize operations.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Gain awareness about the various challenges of managing contract employees
• Learn about the challenges of safeguarding the interests of contract employees
• Understand the implications and benefits of employing contract workers
• Learn about the various types of employment practices
• Gain an understanding of alternative workforce planning

Keywords

Contract Employment; Employer-employee relations; Employment Practices; Lay-offs; Human Resource Planning; Employee Contracts; Employee Grievance; Employment Policy; Employment Laws; Economic Slowdown; Downsizing