Learn about the Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918, where Gandhi intervened in a wage dispute between mill workers and owners. The conflict led Gandhi to undertake his first hunger strike, demonstrating his commitment to non-violent protest. His intervention resulted in a 35% wage increase for workers, marking a significant victory in the labor movement and showcasing Gandhi's strategic use of hunger strikes in his activism.
In March 1918, Gandhi intervened in a dispute between cotton mill owners and workers in Ahmedabad regarding the discontinuation of the plague bonus.
The mill owners wanted to withdraw the bonus, while workers demanded a 50% wage increase due to wartime inflation, which had doubled the prices of essential goods.
The mill owners were only willing to offer a 20% wage hike, leading the workers to go on strike.
The conflict worsened with workers being arbitrarily dismissed and the mill owners bringing in weavers from Bombay.
Anusuya Sarabhai, a social worker and sister of Ambalal Sarabhai (a mill owner), sought Gandhi's help to mediate the dispute.
Despite being friends with Ambalal, Gandhi supported the workers' cause and advised them to strike for a 35% wage increase instead of the initially demanded 50%.
Gandhi emphasized non-violence during the strike and undertook a fast unto death (his first) to strengthen the workers' resolve and apply pressure on the mill owners.
As negotiations with the mill owners stalled, Gandhi's fast pressured the mill owners into agreeing to submit the dispute to a tribunal.
The strike was withdrawn following this development.
The tribunal ultimately awarded the workers a 35% wage increase, achieving Gandhi's revised demand.
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