United to Struggle or Struggling to Unite: Growth and Diversification of the Indian Labour Movement

Abstract

Modern industrial development from the mid-nineteenth century laid the foundation for the trade union movement in India. The formation of the All India Trade Union Congress in 1920 led to national-level organisation of workers. The International Labour Organization’s principles and conventions were a guiding star for the initial labour movement in India. With the support of the Communist Party of India, founded in 1920, the Indian labour movement became stronger in demanding the legitimate rights of workers. The trade union movement, which strengthened after Indian Independence in 1947, changed accordingly after the adoption of neoliberalism in 1991. This chapter will trace the origin, growth, struggles, diversification and achievements of labour movements in India to the contemporary period.