The Indian Trade Union Movement has been a significant part of the country’s socio-economic and political landscape. Emerging during the colonial era, it has evolved through various phases—reflecting the changing realities of the Indian workforce and the country’s political economy. Trade unions in India have played a crucial role in advocating for workers’ rights, improving labour conditions, and influencing industrial relations.
Origins and Early Phase
The Indian Trade Union Movement began in the early 20th century as a response to exploitative working conditions during British colonial rule. Industrialisation in colonial India created a large class of urban workers employed in textile mills, railways, mines, and ports. These workers faced low wages, long working hours, lack of job security, and poor living conditions. The absence of legal protection led to sporadic protests and strikes.
The formation of the first organized trade union, the Madras Labour Union (MLU) in 1918 by B.P. Wadia, marked the formal beginning of the trade union movement in India. This was followed by the establishment of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920, with leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Joseph Baptista playing prominent roles. AITUC was influenced by nationalist and socialist ideologies and aimed to organize workers across different regions and industries.
Growth during the National Movement
During the 1920s and 1930s, the trade union movement grew in strength and spread to various industrial centres across India. It was also influenced by the wider nationalist struggle for independence. The Indian National Congress supported workers’ rights as part of its anti-colonial strategy. However, the movement also experienced internal divisions, especially with the rise of communist influence.
By the 1930s, ideological rifts led to the emergence of rival unions. The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) was formed in 1947, aligned with the Indian National Congress. Similarly, the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) was created in 1948, associated with socialist leaders, and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) was formed in 1970 by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Post-Independence Developments
After independence, the trade union movement became more institutionalized. The Indian government enacted several labour laws to protect workers’ rights, including the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the Factories Act, 1948, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. These laws provided legal recognition to trade unions and regulated industrial relations.
The 1950s to 1970s saw an expansion of public sector industries, leading to an increase in unionized jobs. Trade unions became influential in negotiating wages, job security, and working conditions. However, this period also saw increased political involvement of trade unions, often aligning themselves with different political parties. This politicization sometimes weakened the unity of the labour movement.
The 1970s were marked by labour unrest and militant trade unionism. Strikes and lockouts became frequent, especially in major industrial hubs like Bombay (now Mumbai), Calcutta (now Kolkata), and Kanpur. The railway strike of 1974, led by George Fernandes, was one of the largest industrial actions in Indian history, involving over 1.7 million workers.
Challenges in the Era of Globalisation
Since the 1990s, with the liberalisation of the Indian economy, the trade union movement has faced new challenges. The shift towards a market-driven economy led to the growth of the informal sector, contractual labour, and privatization. As a result, traditional trade unions lost influence in many sectors, especially among young, precarious workers in the service and gig economy.
Additionally, employer resistance, restrictive labour reforms, and the fragmentation of unions along political lines weakened collective bargaining power. Many new industries, especially in information technology and retail, remain largely non-unionised.
Despite these challenges, trade unions continue to play an important role. They have adapted by forming federations, participating in policy advocacy, and campaigning against anti-labour reforms. The recent nationwide strikes and protests by central trade unions against changes in labour codes show the continued relevance of union activism.
Conclusion
The Indian Trade Union Movement has a rich and complex history, from its origins in colonial resistance to its current struggles in a liberalised economy. It has contributed significantly to improving the lives of Indian workers, securing labour rights, and influencing social policy. However, it now faces the challenge of reinventing itself in a rapidly changing economic environment, where informal work, gig employment, and automation dominate the labour landscape. Strengthening unity among unions and addressing the needs of the unorganised sector will be essential for the movement’s future.