1974 railway strike in India

The 1974 railway strike in India was a significant labor unrest that occurred between May 8 and 17, 1974, involving railway employees across the country. Sparked by demands for better wages, improved working conditions, and the establishment of a minimum wage, the strike was organized by the Indian National Railway Workers Federation (INRWF). It marked one of the largest and most widespread labor strikes in the country's history, mobilizing nearly 1.5 million railway workers. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, responded with a heavy crackdown, including dismissals and arrests of strike leaders. The strike ultimately led to a broader discourse on labor rights in India and was a precursor to increasing political tensions that culminated in the Emergency imposed in 1975.