Boatmen strike in Madras 1829



Flash Strike  by Boatmen 1829

      The  Boatmen  of Madras suddenly went on a flash  strike  demanding  higher  wages  in June  1829. The  boatmen of Madras owners of Masoola  boats were  important  persons in the  development of  East India  company trade  in Madras and subsequent rule  by them. Since Madras did not have a  natural harbour  the ships were anchored 2kms from the  shores and the  men and goods were transferred in Masoola boats by these men. As early as 1709 when  Thomas Pitt left Madras there were around  200 boats each boat being sailed by 10 people.  They were paid 6 fanams per trip and a maximum of three trips can be done a day. So each person was earning around 55 fanams ( 12 fanams = 1 rupee) a month which was less when compared to the hard work put by them. In order to put pressure on company officials they frequently  went  on flash strikes. A first hand report of one  such flash strike in June 1829.

Picture : J.B.East, London 1856

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