All India Port and Dock Workers Federation (AIPDWF) , founded in 1949 is the largest trade union representing workers at India's 12 major government-owned ports. It is affiliated with the socialist trade union center

Hind Mazdoor Sabha The Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) was formed by the Socialists in 1948 but has little real connection with the Socialist Party. It is one of the least political and most pragmatic trade-union federations in India. The HMS is affiliated with the Inte ...

. The union split in 1989 during a nationwide strike by port workers. The previous agreement between the port unions and the government had expired in January 1988. Frustrated with the lack f progress in negotiations, AIPDWF, as well as unions affiliated with

INTUC Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) is a national trade union in India. It was founded on 3 May 1947 and is affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation. According to provisional statistics from the Ministry of Labour, ...

and

AITUC The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) is the oldest trade union federation in India. It is associated with the Communist Party of India. According to provisional statistics from the Ministry of Labour, AITUC had a membership of 14.2 milli ...

launched a strike in June 1989. After four days, a breakaway faction led by Shanti Patel, called off the strike and gained recognition from the government. AIPDWF ended its strike after another two days. In recent times, AIPDWF has become a vocal opponent of the Indian government's plan to corporatize the various publicly owned ports, viewing the step as a give-away of public property to private firms.

References

{{Trade unions in India navbox Trade unions in India Hind Mazdoor Sabha-affiliated unions Port workers' trade unions Trade unions established in 1949