Dr. Shahnawaz Alam: Championing Industrial Relations and Workers’ Empowerment

Dr. Shahnawaz Alam, based in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, has carved out a remarkable career as both a seasoned union leader and an academic voice in industrial relations. With over 26 years of experience in trade unions and five years as a research fellow, he has become a prominent figure bridging the gap between management and labour through constructive dialogue, leadership, and education. Currently serving as Vice President of Tata Workers’ Union, Working President at JCAPCPL (a joint venture of Nippon Steel Japan and Tata Steel), and Secretary of Jharkhand INTUC, his career reflects a lifelong commitment to building strong institutions and advocating for workers’ rights.

Over the decades, he has held multiple leadership roles, including General Secretary of Seva Sadan Workers’ Union, GORC and TDRC Workers’ Union, and Tata Steel Homeopathic Society Union. He has also served as Advisor to JUSCO Shramik Union and the Tata Steel Zoological Society Union. His leadership extends beyond industrial relations, as he also presides over the All India Women’s Conference in Jharkhand, demonstrating a broader commitment to social empowerment.

As a union executive, Dr. Alam has consistently championed initiatives designed to enhance organizational effectiveness while keeping employees’ welfare at the forefront. He has organized training and development courses for the wards of employees, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a changing job market. He has also overseen significant institutional reforms, including drafting constitutions for unions, launching the Tata Workers’ Union website, and establishing the Heritage Gallery of Tata Workers’ Union. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring peaceful and democratic elections across various unions, duly recognized by the Labour Commissioner of Jharkhand.

Beyond union leadership, he has worked to enhance professional capabilities within the labour movement. He spearheaded ISO auditor certification training for union officials, contributed to joint departmental councils at Tata Steel, and edited the in-house magazine Ispat Mazdoor for three years. His communication skills have made him a respected visiting faculty member at prestigious institutions such as SNTI (Tata Steel), Michael John Research Centre, IIM Ranchi, and XISS Ranchi, where he has delivered lectures on industrial relations and joint consultation practices.

Dr. Alam’s academic journey is equally impressive. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics; an M.Sc. in Physics and Electronics; an MBA in Human Resources; an Executive MBA in Industrial Relations from North East Virginia University, USA; and a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management. He has successfully completed his Ph.D. in Management (Industrial Relations) from Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, further cementing his reputation as both a practitioner and scholar.

His expertise has been enriched by numerous international training programs and seminars. He has completed certifications from globally recognized institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, the University of Colorado, the University of Michigan, and ITC Turin (Italy), covering themes like workplace diversity, disability inclusion, fragility in global work systems, and negotiation strategies. His participation in seminars at XLRI Jamshedpur, MRA Centre Panchgani, and international programs in Brazil, Colombo, and Sri Lanka has further broadened his outlook.

A prolific researcher and presenter, Dr. Alam has published papers in reputed international journals on topics such as HR analytics, ethical business practices, and the role of labour in corporate development. His papers have been presented at national and international platforms, including Kalinga University and H.S. Gour University. His contributions to knowledge dissemination complement his on-ground leadership, making him both a practitioner and thought leader in his field.

Over the years, he has also received recognition for his contributions, including the “Best Suggestor Award” at Tata Steel in 2004. His membership in professional bodies such as the Youth Hostel Association of India and the Indian Academic Researchers Association reflects his engagement beyond the workplace.

Balancing a demanding professional life with personal commitments, Dr. Alam is married and a proud father of two daughters. His journey exemplifies how leadership, education, and social commitment can converge to create lasting impact in both industry and society.

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