New model unions and the reform league and union.

What were trade unions like at this time?

They advocated for worker’s rights, notably only for “skilled” workers and wanted legal protections for striking and unionism as a whole.

What was the Amalgamated society of engineers (1875) and why is it important?

It is famous for being the first of the new model unions. These introduced the snobbery and strict organisation associated with unions in this period.

How did these unions protest/function? (3)

Striking

Use of a membership fee to provide funds for things like sick pay

Robert Owen attempted to form the Grand National Consolidated Trade Unions (GNCTU)

What pieces of legislation are most relevant to the new model unions? (4)

1871 Trade Union Act provides unions with legal protections

1874 Criminal law amendment act outlaws striking and picketing under intimidation

1875 conspiracy and protection of property act relegalised striking and picketing BUT it had be be “peaceful” to be considered legal

1875 employers and tradesmen act outlawed two way breaches of contract.

What were the pros and cons of the new model unions? (2/1)

PROS:
Worker protection laws were passed while they were active
The naming of the Tolpuddle martyrs as such shows how well they integrated culturally in England

CONS:
Their snobbery limited their power as they still divided the working class

What was the Reform League?

A mainly w/c suffrage campaign movement

What was the reform union?

A mainly m/c moderate and nonviolent constitutional reform movement.

What famous protest was the reform league responsible for?

1866 Hyde Park

What act satiated both the reform league and union?

1867 reform act- this increased the electorate by 1.5 million men

What were the pros and cons of the reform league? (2/1)

PROS:
Radicalism is inherently eye-catching
expression of w/c political agency

CONS:
due to its radical nature and w/c makeup they were often ignored by parliament

What were the pros and cons of the reform union? (1/2)

PROS:
m/c “respectability” made them more palatable to parliament

CONS:
Too much focus on the issues of the relatively privileged m/c
Moderacy made them more forgettable