Ahmedabad Mill Strike 1918: The Plague Bonus Issue

The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was primarily based on the issue of the plague bonus of the previous year to the workers. This strike played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle and marked an important milestone in the history of labor movements in India.

Background:

1. Ahmedabad textile mills: Ahmedabad was a prominent center of the textile industry during the British colonial period. The textile mills employed a large number of workers, mostly from the lower-income strata of society.

2. Plague outbreak in 1917: In 1917, Ahmedabad faced a severe outbreak of the bubonic plague. The mills were temporarily shut down, and many workers were forced to leave the city due to fear and panic.

3. Management's promise of a bonus: In order to encourage the workers to return after the plague outbreak, the mill owners promised a plague bonus to be paid in 1918.

The Issue:

1. Non-payment of the promised bonus: Despite the clear agreement between the mill owners and workers, the management failed to fulfill their promise of paying the plague bonus in 1918.

2. Workers' discontent: The non-payment of the bonus created a sense of injustice and dissatisfaction among the workers. They felt exploited and betrayed by the mill owners.

3. Mahatma Gandhi's involvement: Mahatma Gandhi, who had been advocating for the rights of workers and peasants, took up the cause of the mill workers. He saw this as an opportunity to unite and mobilize the workers in their struggle for fair treatment and better working conditions.

The Strike and its Impact:

1. Strike called by Gandhi: In March 1918, Mahatma Gandhi called for a strike by the mill workers to protest against the non-payment of the plague bonus. The strike received overwhelming support from the workers, leading to a complete shutdown of the mills.

2. Unity among workers: The strike brought together workers from different mills and communities, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among them. This unity played a crucial role in the success of the strike.

3. Negotiations and resolution: The strike lasted for several weeks, during which negotiations took place between the mill owners and workers. Eventually, an agreement was reached, and the workers were paid a portion of the promised bonus.

4. Symbol of resistance: The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 became a symbol of resistance against exploitation and injustice. It inspired similar labor movements and strikes in other parts of India, contributing to the growth of the labor movement in the country.

In conclusion, the Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 led by Mahatma Gandhi was primarily based on the issue of the plague bonus of the previous year. The non-payment of this bonus by the mill owners sparked discontent among the workers, leading to a strike that played a significant role in the Indian freedom struggle and the labor movement in India.