The 22 days strike by Railway and Central Govt. employees which started on 8th May 1974 was one of the biggest and strongest strikes India has ever seen. Lakhs and lakhs of workers participated in the strike, the main demand of which was Bonus.
The Congress government met the strike with all ammunition at its disposal. Strike was banned and ESMO issued. Paramilitary forces were used to suppress the striking workers. Thousands were arrested, jailed, terminated, dismissed and suspended. Families were vacated from staff quarters. Recognition of Federations/ Unions were cancelled. The strike was withdrawn after 22 days.
I still remember the brutal police actions against the strikers and their families, especially in Railways.

The strike was not in vain. For the first time, bonus was granted to Railways and CG employees in 1979 after Janata Government came to power.