This document provides an introduction to the origins of trade unions in Madras (now Chennai), India. It discusses how the first organized labour union in India, the Madras Labour Union, was formed in April 27, 1918 by workers at the B and C Mills in Perambur who were facing poor working conditions. The union was inaugurated on April 13, 1918 under the leadership of B.P. Wadia and aimed to address issues like humiliation in the workplace faced by workers in various industries. The document then briefly outlines the emergence of leftist ideology in the 1930s-1940s and important trade union leaders and organizations that advocated for workers' rights in Madras during this time period.