Labour Conspiracy and Trade Union Movements in Colonial India

During British colonial rule in India, labor-related conspiracies and movements emerged as significant forces that challenged the colonial government and drew international attention. These events, led by individuals and groups advocating for workers’ rights and political change, highlighted the rising political consciousness among laborers. Notable among these conspiracies were the Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case of 1924 and the Meerut Conspiracy Case of 1929, which underscored the growing influence of leftist ideologies and the British response to suppress dissent.

Trade unionism also flourished during the period of Congress ministries, and the events of the Second World War further shaped the labor movement, culminating in significant strides toward independence.

Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case (1924)

The Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case marked a critical juncture in the labor and political movements in colonial India.

• Key Individuals Accused: The case implicated prominent leaders such as M.N. Roy, Muzaffar Ahmed, S.A. Dange, Shaukat Usmani, Nalini Gupta, Singaravelu Chettiar, and Ghulam Hussain.
  • They were accused of conspiring to overthrow British rule and spread communist ideologies in India.
• Significance: The case reflected the British fear of communist influence and the growing alignment of labor struggles with political resistance.

Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929)

The Meerut Conspiracy Case became a symbol of the British colonial government’s crackdown on labor activism and leftist ideologies.

Background

• The case emerged during a period of increasing labor unrest and political activism in India.
  • Influences such as the First World War, Russian Revolution, and global socialist movements inspired Indian workers and intellectuals to align with communist ideologies.

Arrest of Communist Leaders

• In 1929, the British government arrested several leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI), including:
  • S.A. Dange, Muzaffar Ahmed, and Shaukat Usmani.
• The accused were charged under colonial laws with conspiring to wage war against the British Crown.

Political Significance

• The trial became a focal point of national and international condemnation, drawing attention to the colonial suppression of dissent.
• The case symbolized:
  • The British government’s attempts to suppress political dissent.
  • The solidarity among trade unions and workers’ organizations in India and abroad.

Outcome 

• The verdict resulted in long prison sentences, including life imprisonment for some.
• Although a setback for the communist movement, the case:
  • Galvanized labor resistance.
  • Strengthened the resolve of workers and activists fighting for independence.

Trade Unionism During Congress Ministries

The formation of Congress ministries in six provinces in 1937 marked a period of heightened activity and progress in the trade union movement.

Key Developments

• Kanpur Workers’ Strike:
  • The strike lasted 55 days and involved 10,000 workers.
  • It led to the formation of the Kanpur Labour Enquiry Committee, chaired by Babu Rajendra Prasad.
• Labor Enquiry Committees:
  • Committees established in provinces like Bihar, Bombay, U.P., and C.P. made progressive recommendations for improving worker conditions.
• Legislative Initiatives:
  • Based on these recommendations, labor-friendly laws were enacted:
    • Bombay Industrial Disputes Act (1938).
    • Bombay Shop Assistants Act (1939).
    • C.P. Maternity Act (1939).
    • Bengal Maternity Act (1939).

Impact of the Second World War

The Second World War (1939–1945) had a profound impact on trade unionism and labor movements in India.

Workers’ Responses

• Initially, workers opposed the war.
• In 1941, after the Soviet Union joined the Allies, communists supported the war, terming it a “people’s war”.
• The Quit India Movement was divided:
  • The communist faction supported the war effort.
  • Nationalist factions opposed British imperial policies.

Major Activities During the War

• AITUC’s Political Resolution (1940):
  • The AITUC dissociated itself from imperialism or fascism, emphasizing that the war would not benefit India unless it led to freedom and democracy.
• Split in AITUC:
  • M.N. Roy, a former communist leader, left AITUC to form the pro-government Indian Federation of Labour, supported by the British with a grant of Rs. 13,000 per month.
• Worker Strikes and Solidarity Actions:
  • Workers actively participated in post-war strikes:
    • 1945: Dock workers in Calcutta and Bombay refused to load supplies for Indonesian warring troops.
    • 1946: Strikes supported the Naval Ratings Mutiny.
    • 1947: Postal workers, railway employees, and others joined widespread strikes.

Formation of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

• In 1944, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) was formed.
  • This marked the polarization of trade unionism along political lines as India approached independence.

Significance of the Working-Class Movement

The working-class movement played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle and labor rights advocacy. Its significance can be summarized as follows:

• Labor Rights and Improved Conditions:
  • Advocated for better working conditions and led to the enactment of labor-friendly laws.
• Political Awakening:
  • Inspired ordinary Indians to demand their rights and participate in political and social movements.
• Contribution to Nationalism:
  • Aligned workers’ demands with the broader nationalist movement, strengthening the fight for sovereignty.
• Formation of Trade Unions:
  • Laid the groundwork for unions like the AITUC and INTUC, promoting organized labor movements.
• Social Reforms:
  • Addressed issues like child labor and unsafe working conditions, contributing to broader social progress.
• Challenges to Imperialism:
  • Strikes and labor demands disrupted the economic interests of British colonial rule and foreign capitalists.
• Unity and Solidarity:
  • Brought together workers across caste, religion, and language barriers, fostering a spirit of collective resistance.

Limitations of the Working-Class Movement

Despite its achievements, the working-class movement faced several limitations:

• Lack of Political Support:
  • Early efforts lacked consistent political backing, leading to sporadic and uncoordinated actions.
• Divisions Along Caste and Religion:
  • Workers were often divided along social lines, hindering the formation of a unified movement.
• Ambiguous Support from Congress:
  • While the Congress Party appeared to support labor movements, it often prioritized its political goals over addressing capitalist exploitation.
• Political Fragmentation:
  • Internal conflicts between communists and Congress supporters, along with divisions within communist factions, weakened the movement.

Conclusion

The working-class movement was an essential force in India’s struggle for independence, intertwining demands for labor rights, social justice, and national sovereignty. Despite the challenges of exploitation, harsh conditions, and political fragmentation, laborers, factory workers, and miners demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.

Their efforts laid the foundation for post-independence labor reforms and inspired global anti-colonial movements. The working-class movement remains a testament to the collective power of ordinary people in shaping history, proving that the quest for freedom and justice transcends social and economic divides.

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