Explanation:

The usual methods used to determine union strength, which is the basis of the recognitions are following:

1. Election by Secret Ballot:
2. Check-Off method:
3. Verification of union membership
4. Rule of Thumb or intelligent guessing by management or general observation

Of the above methods the first one is universally accepted method used all over the world but there has been no consensus amount among the trade unions on that in India.

The Second National Commission of Labour (2003) considered the issues seriously and made the following recommendations:

• We recommend that the negotiating agent should be selected for recognition on the basis of the check off system. A union with 66% membership be entitled to be accepted as the single negotiating agent, and if no union has 66% support, then unions that have the support of more than 25% should be given proportionate representation on the negotiating college.
• Secret ballot is logically and financially a difficult process in certain industries. Check-off system has the advantage of ascertaining the relative strength of trade unions. Check-off system should be made compulsory for all establishments employing 300 or more workers. For establishments employing less than 300 workers also the check-off system would be the preferred mode. Recognition once granted, should be valid for a period of four years, to be coterminous with the period of settlement.