Problems of Indian Trade Unionism

Abstract

In India, labor had joined in the struggle for an independent state and was in sympathy with the aims of the new government. Soon, the de terioration of economic conditions led labor to employ traditional tactics to secure the goals of better wages and working conditions. The government was forced to consider whether these tactics were consistent with national needs of maximum production and self-sufficiency. A choice had to made between free collective bargaining and state-controlled bargaining. India chose the latter as the best means of helping to bring about a socialist state. The political char acter of the major trade union federations has facilitated the operation of the system.—Ed.