Indian Workers and Worker Action in Durban, 1935-1945

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Periodical article

Title:	Indian Workers and Worker Action in Durban, 1935-1945
Authors:	Padayachee, Vishnu Vawda, Shahid
Year:	1999
Periodical:	South African Historical Journal
Issue:	40
Period:	May
Pages:	154-178
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	trade unions strikes Urbanization and Migration Labor and Employment History and Exploration Ethnic and Race Relations Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02582479908671353
Abstract:	A new phase of nonracial union organizing began in South Africa after the Great Depression, and for a time it was Durban rather than any other industrial area in the country that was the main centre of union organization and strike activity. During the period 1930-1950 there was a total of (at least) 85 strikes, 46 of which occurred between 1937 and the end of 1942, when strikes by Africans were prohibited. This article focuses on the two most important strikes which occurred over this period and which involved Indian and African workers: the Falkirk strike of 1937 and the Dunlop strike of 1942-1943. It was particularly the Dunlop strike that was decisive in undermining radical leadership in registered trade unions and in causing distrust and hostility between Indian and African workers. It marked a watershed in the momentum and direction of working-class organization and activity in Durban. Notes, ref.