Evolution of labour

welfare
Evolution of Labour Welfare at
Global Level
 Western countries took the lead in labour welfare
 In 1800, Robert Owen tried to improve the condition of industrial
workers working in his mill at U.K. by ensuring shorter working
hours, minimum wages, by providing schools, churches, housing,
& medical benefits & this led to a revolution in labour welfare.
 In 1875 factories act was passed, covering all types of factories
 After research, it was found that providing labour welfare
improves productivity, which led to focus on labour welfare.
Before Independence
 Labour welfare activity in India was largely
influenced by humanitarian principles and legislation.
 During early period of industrial development ,efforts
towards worker’s welfare was made largely by social
workers, and other religious leaders, mostly on
humanitarian grounds.
 Before the introduction of welfare and other
legislation in India, the conditions of the labour were
miserable.
 Exploitation of child labour ,long hours
of work, bad sanitation and absence of
safety measures were the regular
features of factory life.
 The movement to improve the working
conditions of Indian labour started with
the passing of the first Indian factories
Act in 1881.
 Under pressure from labour the
Bombay Mill owners Association
conceded the demand for a week
holiday.
 The Factories (Amendment) Act,1891
was passed
 The Government of India appointed a
Commission in 1907 to study the working
conditions of labour in industry
 A more comprehensive Act was introduced in
1911 on the basis of recommendations.
 Voluntary action in the field of labour welfare
also made considerable progress.
 The out break of First World war in 1914 led to
a number of new developments .
 The Russian Revolution laid a tremendous
impact on the attitudes of government and
society towards labour.
 The establishment of the International Labour
organization in 1919
 As a result of all these developments the
importance of labour in economic and social
reconstruction of the world was recognized.
 All these factors created background of Indian
Factories (Amendment) Act in 1922.
 The Royal Commission on Labour was
appointed in 1929 to enquire into and report on
the existing conditions of labour in the country.
 A number of committees were set up by
provincial governments to enquire into the
working conditions of labour.
 For the first time in the India this
committee highlighted the importance of
the welfare measures improving the
social and economic life of labour.
 The Second world war brought about far
reaching consequences in all fields of
activities.
 The government took the initiative and
actively promoted various welfare
activities among industrial employees.
After Independence
 It was realized that labour welfare had a positive role to play in
increasing productivity and reducing industrial tensions.
 The state began to realize its social responsibilities towards
weaker sections of the society.
 The emergence of different central trade union organizations like
INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress),HMS (Hindustan
Mazdoor Sangh),NLO (National Labour Organization), gave
further flip to the growth of labour welfare movement.
 The Government of India enacted the Factories Act ,1948.
 The Constitution of India enshrined a list
of fundamental rights and Directive
principles of state policy for the
achievement of social order based on
Justice, Equality and Fraternity.
 Article-39-All the citizens both men &
women have equal right to livelihood,
equal pay for equal work, tender age of
children & old people should not be
exploited because of economic necessity
 Article-41-Right to work, Education, &
Public assistance in certain cases.
 Article 42-Provision for just and humane
conditions of work and maternity relief.
 Article 43- Living wage, etc., for workers
Five year plans & labour Laws