The People's Commissariat for Labour (Russian: Народный комиссариат труда) was established by the Bolsheviks following their seizure of power during the October Revolution.
[2] Taking into consideration the rapidly evolving context of economic crisis and foreign invasion, Commissar Shlyapnikov sought to accord the People’s Commissariat for Labour the authority to make decisions and pass decrees.
[3] However, Narkomtrud faced many obstacles such as contending with the leaders of the non-Bolshevik unions, ambitious demands of the factory committees, and maintaining disciplinary order amongst the workers.
Shlyapnikov filled the key Narkomtrud positions with trade union staff because he believed that their knowledge regarding the regulations of wages and working conditions made them more qualified to carry out their duties.
Shlyapnikov and union leaders proposed certain enforcements that would encourage the workers to work harder in order to reverse the economic decline.