Gandhian Perspectives on Industrial Relations: A Study of Textile Labour Association, Ahmedabad, 1918-48

The present volume examines in depth, the Gandhian theory of industrial relations and trade unionism vis-?-vis its application by the Textile Labour Association (TLA) of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It also traces the emergence of textile industry and the growth of labour and trade unionism in Ahmedabad and focuses on the Gandhian ideology and methods in resolving capital-labour issues and problems. The book highlights how far Gandhian theory of industrial relations and trade unionism was put to practice by the TLA. It also examines as to how far the TLA was successful in governing the capital-labour relationships and the effectiveness of the settlement machinery of disputes devised by Gandhi ji. An attempt has also been made to analyse as to how far Gandhi’s ideas and pragmatic approach was able to influence the whole gamut of activities of Textile Labour Association during 1920-48. In doing so, it describes the role Gandhi played in shaping the policies of the Textile Labour Association, when he looked after and guided its activities more closely up to 1936 and also later on after 1937 when he was not actively involved in it. Besides, it also brings out as to how the positive role played by the Textile Labour Association of Ahmedabad could later on influence the decisions of the Government in framing various laws and policies towards capital-labour relationships. The book may be useful for students and research scholars of HRD, Gandhian study and history.