A century-old workers’ movement reflects on its legacy, political role, and uncertain future
As India marks 100 years of the trade union movement, the milestone offers a moment to look back at its roots, its influence on politics and labour rights, and the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing economy.
How the trade union movement began in India
India’s organised trade union movement took shape in 1920 with the formation of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC). Born during the freedom struggle, unions were not just platforms for workers’ rights but also tools of political mobilisation against colonial rule.
Over the decades, trade unions became deeply intertwined with India’s political ecosystem. Almost every major political party nurtured its own labour wing, making unions powerful voices in factories, ports, railways, and public sector enterprises.
From fighting for minimum wages and job security to shaping labour laws, unions played a central role in defining India’s post-Independence industrial landscape.
A movement shaped by politics and protest
Over the last 100 years, India’s trade unions have seen both influence and decline.
Key phases of the movement include:
- Pre-Independence era: Unions aligned with nationalist politics and mass movements
- Post-1947 expansion: Strong presence in public sector industries and manufacturing
- Liberalisation period: Shrinking influence amid privatisation and contract labour
- Present day: Struggle to remain relevant in the gig economy and informal workforce
While unions successfully secured labour protections for organised workers, critics argue they failed to adapt quickly enough to economic reforms and new forms of employment.
What labour scholars say
Labour experts note that Indian trade unions became overly dependent on political patronage. This helped them gain visibility but weakened their ability to act independently for workers’ interests.
Many analysts also point out that unions largely represent formal-sector workers, even though over 90% of India’s workforce operates in the informal economy. This gap has become one of the movement’s biggest structural weaknesses.
Still, scholars agree that without trade unions, several labour protections such as fixed working hours, safety norms, and collective bargaining would not exist today.
Labour rights in a changing economy
The centenary comes at a time when India’s labour market is undergoing a massive transformation. Platform-based work, contractual jobs, and automation are reshaping employment patterns.
This raises critical questions:
- Who represents gig workers and freelancers?
- Can traditional unions evolve beyond factory floors?
- How will labour rights be protected without collective bargaining?
The future of trade unions matters not just to workers, but to industrial stability, social justice, and economic fairness.
Reinvention or irrelevance?
Experts believe the survival of the trade union movement depends on reinvention. This includes embracing digital organising, expanding representation to informal workers, and reducing excessive political control.
There is also a growing call for unions to focus more on negotiation and skill protection rather than frequent strikes, especially in a globally competitive economy.
If unions succeed in adapting, they could once again become influential voices for workers. If not, their relevance may continue to fade.
A legacy that still matters
After 100 years, India’s trade union movement stands at a crossroads. Its legacy of struggle and reform is undeniable. But its future will depend on how well it responds to the realities of modern work. For a country with a young and diverse workforce, that response could shape the next century of labour rights.
