by The trade union movement in India has changed in recent years. Earlier, Left-affiliated trade unions were more active in calling strikes against the government’s actions. For the first time in 2009, all the central trade unions came on a common platform to decide the course of action on their charter of demands jointly. Since then, three strikes have taken place one each in 2010, 2012 and 2013. The strike in February 2013 was a two-day strike and trade unions claim a record 120 million workers had participated in it.
Pre-1918: The genesis of the labour movement in India
After the setting up of textile and jute mills coupled with the laying of railways in the 1850s, worker atrocities started to come to light.
Though the origin of labour movements was traced to the 1860s, first labour agitation in the history of India occurred in Bombay, 1875. It was organised under the leadership of S.S Bengalee. It concentrated on the plight of workers, especially women and children. This led to the appointment of the first Factory commission, 1875. Consequently, the first factories act was passed in 1881.
Features of the labour movements in this era:
- Leadership was provided by social reformers and not by the workers themselves.
- The movements in this era mainly concentrated on the welfare of workers rather than asserting their rights.
- They were organised, but there was no pan India presence.
- A strong intellectual foundation or agenda was missing.
- Their demands revolved around issues like that of women and children workers.
1918-1924: The early trade union phase
This period marked the birth of true trade union movement in India. It was organised along the lines of unions in the industrialised world.
The deteriorated living conditions caused by the first world war and the exposure with the outside world resulted in heightened class consciousness amongst the workers. This provided fertile ground to the development of the movement. This period is known as the early trade union period.
Important unions: Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (1917) led by Smt. Anasuyaben Sarabhai, All India Postal and RMS Association, Madras Labour Union led by B.P Wadia etc.
Factors that influenced the growth of the movement:
- Spiralling prices during War and the mass entrenchment of workers that followed it led to low living standards. Also, the wretched working conditions added to their woes. Hence, they sought collective bargaining power through unionisation.
- Development of Home Rule, the emergence of Gandhian leadership and the socio-political conditions led to the nationalist leadership taking interest in the worker’s plight. Workers, in turn, was looking for professional leadership and guidance.
- Russian revolution and other international developments (like setting up of International Labour Organisation in 1919) boosted their morale.
1925-1934: Period of left-wing trade unionism
This era was marked by increasing militancy and a revolutionary approach. It also saw multiple split-ups in the movement. Leaders like N.M Joshi and V.V Giri was instrumental in moderating the movement and further integrating it with the nationalist mainstream.
AITUC split up multiple times paving way for the formation of organisations like National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) and All India Red Trade Union Congress (AIRTUC). However, the need for unity was felt and they all merged with the AITUC in the next phase.
1935-1938: The Congress interregnum
This phase was marked by greater unity between different unions. Indian National Congress was in power in most of the provinces by 1937. This led to more and more unions coming forward and getting involved with the nationalist movement. In 1935, AIRTUC merged with AITUC. Different legislations were passed by provincial governments that gave more power and recognition to the trade unions.
1939-1946: Period of labour activism
The Second World War lowered standard of living for the workers further and this led to the strengthening of the movement. The question of war effort created a rift between the Communists and the Congress. This, coupled with other issues, led to further split in the movement. However, the movement as a whole got stronger due to the compounding issues. This included mass entrenchment post-war and the massive price rise that accompanied it.
Legislations like Industrial Employment Act, 1946 and Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946 contributed to strengthening the trade union movement. In general, the movements got more vocal and involved in the national movement.
1947-present: Post-independence trade unionism
It was marked by the proliferation of unions. INTUC was formed in May 1947 under the aegis of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Since then, the AITUC has come to be dominated by the Communists. Hind Mazdoor Sabha was formed in 1948 under the banner of Praja Socialist Party. Later on, it came under the influence of Socialists. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh was founded in 1955 and is currently affiliated to the BJP.
Post-independence, trade unions became increasingly tied with party politics. Rise of regional parties has led to a proliferation in their numbers with each party opting to create its trade union. However, their influence has been somewhat reduced after the liberalisation post-1991. Issues like labour code reforms and minimum wage remains a political hot potato due to the opposition from the trade union leadership.
Post-independence, India has also witnessed different unions coming together to address a common issue. These include the crippling railway strike of 1974 and the Great Bombay textile strike, 1982. However, such strikes are seen to get less public support post-1991. There is also an increased focus on informal labour. This is due to the particularly vulnerable situation of unorganised labour. All major trade unions have registered an increase in their membership from the unorganised sector.
