History is a Continuum of Resistance
"From the 1970 split to the 18th Conference: Analyzing the political trajectory of the Indian working class."
Historical Significance
The birth of CITU in 1970 was not a mere administrative split; it was a fundamental ideological departure. For over 50 years, CITU has stood against the tide of reformism, maintaining that the labor movement's ultimate goal is the transformation of society, not just the negotiation of wages.
The Century of Struggle
The Ideological Prelude
Following the split in the Indian communist movement (1964), tensions peaked within the AITUC. Two lines emerged: one favoring class collaboration and parliamentary limits, and another (led by BT Ranadive) demanding militant class struggle and trade union democracy.
The Kolkata Declaration
CITU is founded in Kolkata. This marked the birth of a center that prioritized the independent political consciousness of workers. Founding figures included B.T. Ranadive (President) and P. Ramamurti (General Secretary).
Railway Strike & Emergency
CITU played a pivotal role in the historic 1974 Railway Strike. During the 1975-77 Emergency, CITU faced severe repression but emerged as a leading voice against the suspension of democratic rights and labor protections.
The Neoliberal Storm
The onset of New Economic Policies (LPG). CITU shifted strategy to address the "informalization" of labor, leading nationwide general strikes against privatization of Public Sector Units (PSUs) and the introduction of contract labor.
The Modern Front
Resistance against the Four Labour Codes. CITU forms an alliance with the peasant movement (Kisan Mazdoor Unity) to fight what it defines as neo-fascist corporate aggression and communal polarization.
Quantifying the Shift
Analyzing the erosion of worker security over five decades. The data shows a systematic transition from "Socially Protected Permanent Employment" to "Vulnerable Contractual Labor." This structural change is the primary target of CITU's 18th Conference strategy.
Workforce Composition Trend (1970 - 2024)
Source: Synthetic Data based on CITU Conference Analysis Reports
The 18th All India Conference
Strategic resolutions for the current political epoch.
Repeal Labor Codes
Total rejection of the four labor codes that merge 44 central labor laws into employer-friendly regulations.
Unorganized Focus
Moving the center of gravity to the unorganized sector, including scheme workers (ASHA/Anganwadi), gig workers, and migrant laborers.
Political Resistance
Exposing the link between neo-liberal economic policies and the rise of communal/fascist political structures.
The Strategic Dialectic
EXPOSE THE POLITICS
"Unmasking the corporate interests behind labor reforms. Unless workers understand the politics of policy, resistance remains superficial."
REACH THE UNREACHED
"Expanding into the shadows of the contract economy. If 90% of the workforce is unorganized, the union must go to them, not wait for them."
