TRADE UNIONS AND INDUSTRY IN INDIA

trade union movement along political and ideological lines was organised even before the spread of industry to various parts of the country. The trigger for trade union consciousness in India was provided by the railways. Unionization among railwaymen was a reflection of the growing awareness of freedom. Trade union consciousness acquired deeper political overtones after the Russian revolution in 1917.

FORMATION OF TRADE UNIONS

AITUC was led and directed by communists and was addressed by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai. After independence the INTUC became the trade union arm of the congress party while the aituc became the trade union arm of the communist party of India.

Mahatma Gandhi guided the INTUC and the Mazdoor Mahajan.

With different leadership styles, both attempted to give a different tone to the workers movement.

There was considerable building activity, and the decentralization of powers to municipal administrations after 1870.

The government became the largest single purchaser of iron and steel products

The public sector unions were divided into white and blue collar unions.

The white collar employees and blue collar workers exercised tremendous control over the left political parties and, through them, on the congress.

THE PROBLEMS FACED..

Inter-union rivalry as well as competition in militancy against the management. lack of a common meeting ground

wage levels and working conditions differed all over the country
Complexity of wages caused by liberalization The working class is distinguished by its own hierarchy, aristocracy, and a vast proletariat.