Paper short abstract:

This paper argues that unions in the textile industry were simply ‘Fractured Labour Unions’. The formation of unions their activity, ideology and issues were closely linked with the caste identity

Paper long abstract:

The cotton mill industry occupies a unique position in India's economy, not only because it performs the useful functions of clothing the nation, but also because it had given the lead in laying the foundations of modern industrial economy in the country. Caste had played important role in the shaping of Mumbai labour movement. In the time of unrest the workers were conscious about class identity. The leader from the working class purposely tried to submerge the caste identity. They were united as being workers but in the peace time workers were conscious about their caste and gender identity. The class was deactivated in the peace time period. The peace time period was helped to working class people to perpetuate their own identity. Through their activities they were closely associated with their own caste and creed. Thus this paper argues that unions in the textile industry were simply 'Fractured Labour Unions'. The formation of unions their activity, ideology and issues were closely linked with the caste identity. It will also explore how class remained as Ephemeral Consciousness and Caste always dominant over the period of history of labour movement in Mumbai.The festivals and other activities among the workers had given space to the caste and gender disparity. The caste hierarchy was maintained in the all festivals. Thus this paper will try to locate caste and class with the history of labour movement in Mumbai. It will also try to find out confrontation between caste and class over this period.