The Indian railways strike of 1974

This is a study of the interactions between a huge industrial labour force in India, trade unions led by labour activists and politicians and a state apparatus that barely tolerated the existence of effective independent labour organisations. It is a close and insightful examination of the complex motivations and political interests behind a major event in the history of the labour movement in India. It analyses the interaction amongst ordinary workers in an industry as they attempt to articulate their demands, while working through unions that are motivated by a range of political goals.