The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 was a significant labor strike in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, which played a pivotal role in India’s labor movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s strategy of nonviolent resistance. The strike was primarily led by textile workers protesting against poor working conditions, low wages, and unjust labor practices in the textile mills of Ahmedabad.
- Background of the Textile Industry in Ahmedabad:
- Ahmedabad was one of the major centers of the textile industry in India during British colonial rule. The city was home to numerous textile mills owned by wealthy industrialists, predominantly from the Gujarati business community.
- The textile industry employed a large workforce, consisting mainly of migrant workers from rural areas, who worked long hours in harsh conditions for minimal wages.
- Causes of the Strike:
- The Ahmedabad Mill Strike was sparked by a combination of factors, including poor working conditions, low wages, and arbitrary rules imposed by mill owners.
- The outbreak of World War I led to increased demand for textiles, but workers did not benefit from the increased profits. Instead, mill owners imposed additional burdens on workers, such as longer working hours and reduced wages.
- Formation of the Textile Workers Union:
- In 1917, under the leadership of local trade unionists and activists, the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (ATLA) was formed to represent the interests of textile workers and to advocate for better working conditions and wages.
- Prominent leaders of the ATLA included Anasuya Sarabhai, Shankarlal Banker, and Narhari Parikh, who played crucial roles in organizing and mobilizing workers.
- Beginning of the Strike:
- In 1918, the mill workers, inspired by the success of other labor strikes across India, including the Bombay Mill Strike of 1919, decided to go on strike to demand better wages and working conditions.
- The strike began on February 22, 1918, with thousands of workers from various textile mills in Ahmedabad participating in the protest.
- Role of Mahatma Gandhi:
- Mahatma Gandhi, who had recently returned to India from South Africa, played a pivotal role in mediating the Ahmedabad Mill Strike and providing moral support to the workers.
- Gandhi advised the workers to adopt nonviolent methods of protest and to maintain discipline and unity during the strike.
- Negotiations and Settlement:
- Gandhi facilitated negotiations between the mill owners and the workers, advocating for a fair and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- After prolonged negotiations, the strike was settled on March 8, 1918, with the mill owners agreeing to some of the workers’ demands, including a 35% increase in wages and improved working conditions.
- Legacy and Impact:
- The Ahmedabad Mill Strike marked a significant victory for the labor movement in India and demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance in achieving social and economic justice.
- The strike also led to the establishment of the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (ATLA) as a permanent organization representing the interests of textile workers in Ahmedabad.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Ahmedabad Mill Strike further solidified his reputation as a champion of social justice and a leader of India’s struggle for independence.
The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 remains a landmark event in India’s labor history and a testament to the power of collective action and nonviolent resistance in confronting oppression and injustice.
