Before India gained independence in 1947, the trade union movement was already gaining
momentum, driven by various factors such as industrialization, labor exploitation, and the
struggle for workers' rights. Here's an overview of the pre-independence era of trade unions in
India:
1. Early Beginnings: The origins of trade unionism in India can be traced back to the late 19th
century when the country was under British colonial rule. The first recorded trade union activity
dates back to the formation of the Madras Labour Union in 1918 by B.P. Wadia and V.S.
Sundaram. This marked the beginning of organized labor movements in India.
2. Impact of Industrialization: The growth of industries during the colonial period led to the
emergence of a large working class employed in factories, mines, plantations, railways, and other
sectors. These workers faced harsh working conditions, long hours, low wages, and lack of job
security, which fueled discontent and spurred the formation of trade unions.
3. Role of Nationalist Leaders: Indian nationalist leaders played a significant role in supporting
the labor movement as part of the broader struggle for independence from British rule. Trade
unions became important vehicles for mobilizing workers and channeling their grievances
towards the nationalist cause. Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas
Chandra Bose actively supported labor struggles and advocated for workers' rights.
4. Formation of Trade Union Congresses: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was
founded in 1920, making it one of the earliest national trade union federations in India. AITUC
played a crucial role in uniting workers across different regions and industries, articulating their
demands, and organizing strikes and protests against exploitative labor practices.
5. Struggles and Challenges: Trade unions faced numerous challenges during the preindependence era, including repression by colonial authorities, opposition from employers, and
internal divisions among workers along lines of caste, religion, and ideology. Despite these
challenges, trade unions continued to grow in strength and influence, becoming important agents
of social change.
6. Legislative Reforms: The colonial government responded to growing labor unrest by enacting
various labor laws aimed at regulating industrial relations and addressing some of the grievances
of workers. However, these laws were often criticized for being inadequate and biased in favor
of employers.
7. Role in Independence Movement: Trade unions actively participated in the struggle for
independence, organizing strikes, boycotts, and other forms of protest to challenge colonial rule
and demand political and economic reforms. Many trade union leaders were also prominent
figures in the Indian National Congress and other nationalist organizations.
Overall, the pre-independence era of trade unions in India was characterized by the emergence of
organized labor movements, the formation of national trade union federations, and the
integration of labor struggles into the broader struggle for independence. Despite facing
numerous challenges, trade unions played a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic and
political landscape of colonial India.