AITUC: History, Formation, Objectives, And Split Of India’s First Central Trade Union

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), established on 31st October 1920 in Bombay (now Mumbai), is the oldest trade union federation in India. It was formed as a platform to safeguard workers’ rights, enhance working conditions, and represent Indian workers at international labour platforms like the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The driving force behind its establishment was the socio-economic exploitation of labourers during colonial rule.

Who founded AITUC?

AITUC was founded by Lala Lajpat Rai, a veteran nationalist leader and freedom fighter, who also presided over its first session. Along with Lala Lajpat Rai, other key founding members included Joseph Baptista, N.M. Joshi, B.P. Wadia, and Diwan Chaman Lall, who served as the first General Secretary of AITUC.

Background & Early Trade Union Movement

Trade unionism in India dates back to the late 19th century, with early efforts like the Bombay Millhands Association led by Narayan Meghaji Lokhande (1848–1897). Later, in the early 20th century, organizations like the Madras Labour Union (1918 by B.P. Wadia) and Majdoor Mahajan (1920 by Mahatma Gandhi) laid the groundwork for a national labour movement. Labour strikes across cities like Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, and Ahmedabad in 1919–1920 created the urgency for a national-level trade union platform, leading to AITUC’s formation.

Objectives of AITUC

The primary objectives of AITUC have been:

Unite workers across sectors and regions.
Protect labour rights including fair wages, working hours, and safety.
Promote social justice and end discrimination in employment.
Fight exploitation by employers and colonial powers.
Support India’s freedom struggle, linking worker rights with national independence.

Key Demands of AITUC

Minimum wages and equal pay for equal work.
Unemployment benefits and old-age pensions.
Right to unionise, strike, and collective bargaining.
Free education, healthcare, and housing for workers.
Opposition to privatization, support for nationalization.
International labour solidarity through bodies like the ILO and WFTU.

AITUC’s Role in the Freedom Struggle

AITUC was not just a labour organization but a political force aligned with the national movement. Stalwarts like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and V.V. Giri presided over its sessions. By 1947, AITUC had grown to include 64 affiliated unions with 1.4 lakh members, making it the largest central trade union.

Splits and Ideological Divisions in AITUC

While AITUC was originally a united body, ideological differences led to several splits:

First Split (1929): Over support for the British-appointed Royal Commission on Labour. Moderates, led by V.V. Giri, left to form the Indian Trade Union Federation (ITUF).
Second Split (1931): Communists, dissatisfied with moderate approaches, formed the Red Trade Union Congress.

The two major factions, AITUC and ITUF, reunited in 1939, but the post-independence era saw permanent splits along political lines.

Political Affiliations of Trade Unions (Post-1945)

Trade Union	Political Affiliation
AITUC	Communist Party of India (CPI)
CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions)	CPI(M)
INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress)	Indian National Congress
HMS (Hind Mazdoor Sabha)	Socialists
BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh)	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

AITUC Today

AITUC Full Form: All India Trade Union Congress

AITUC Logo: Features industrial symbols representing unity and labour

Headquarters: New Delhi

Membership: Over 14.2 million (as of 2013)

Global Ties: A founding member of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)

Notable Leader: N.M. Joshi represented India at the ILO for many years.

Conclusion

The All India Trade Union Congress remains a cornerstone of India’s labour history and political transformation. It was not only instrumental in securing labour rights but also played a crucial role in aligning the working-class movement with India’s freedom struggle. Despite splits and political realignments, AITUC continues to champion the cause of workers across the country.