The workers' movement in pre-Independence India emerged in response to the harsh conditions of early industrialization under British rule. Factory workers, primarily in textile mills, railways, and plantations, faced long hours, low wages, unsafe environments, and lack of basic rights. Early efforts were sporadic, often led by philanthropists or social reformers, focusing on welfare rather than organized struggle.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of more organized labor. The establishment of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920 marked a significant milestone, providing a national platform for workers' demands. The movement was deeply intertwined with the nationalist struggle, with leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, N.M. Joshi, and later, communists, playing crucial roles. Major strikes, such as the Bombay textile workers' strikes, highlighted the growing consciousness and solidarity among laborers. The British government responded with some legislative measures like the Factories Acts, but these were often inadequate. The movement's demands evolved from basic welfare to better wages, working conditions, and political rights, contributing significantly to both social reform and the broader anti-colonial movement.