Booklet 7 - Trade Unionism

What made Trade Unions illegal in 1815?

The Combination Acts

What began to emerge as an alternative to TU’s that provided benefits in return for fees?

Friendly Societies

Who were sentenced to seven years in Australia for making an oath to a union?

The Tolpuddle Martyrs

What was the first big union ever created in 1851?

The Amalgamated Society of Engineers (ASE)

Why was the ASE not compromised by the government?

Because they opposed strike action and would only negotiate. They were only artisans who backed Liberal party and were not seen as a threat. They also labelled themselves as god-fearing so would not revolt.

What did the ASE set a trend for?

New Model Unions - Unions of skilled workers

What did New Model Unions also serve to protect?

The privileged position of its workers

When did the ASE go on strike despite saying they opposed strike action?

In 1852 and 1897-98

Who suggested that a junta of one council should be made to dictate TU policy of non-militancy?

Webb

When was the Trade Union Congress created?

1868

What groups made up the TUC?

• ASE

• Carpenters and Joiners

• Bricklayers

• Friendly Societies of Iron

• London Trades Council

Sheffield Outrages 1866-67:

A mans house was blown up for not paying union fees

Hornby v Close 1867:

A corrupt official stole funds but no action could be brought as union funds had no protection in civil law.

R v Druitt:

Three tailors were found guilty of criminal conspiracy for PICKETING.

What were Trade Unions blamed for?

The 1866 economic downturn and the decline of Britain’s economic competitiveness.

Why did Gladstone not like TU’s?

They were against self-help, threatened laissez-faire and the freedom of individual.

The Trade Union Act 1871:

TU Funds were protected by law and it gave TU’s the right to strike. It lost Liberal support of businessmen.

The Criminal Law Amendment Act 1871:

• New offences such as persistently watching, following and besetting

• Maintained the offences of molestation, obstruction and intimidation

• Made picketing impossible

Why did Disraeli support trade unions?

Because it was in the interest of the upper class as it would avert revolution

Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act 1875:

• Gave the right of unions to picket peacefully

• Trade Unions would no longer be dealt with by criminal legislation

Trade Union Act 1875:

• Funds of all Trade Unions were protected by law.

Employers and Workmen Act 1875:

• Made a breach of contract by an e/ee a civil matter and not a criminal matter.

Why did subscriptions and membership fall after 1873?

Because people could not afford them with the ongoing depression

What two unions almost collapsed in 1879?

The Stonemasons and Iron Founders’ Union

What year did TU Membership reach 2 million?

1900

What type of union began to emerge in the 1880s and give an example?

New Unions - General Railway Workers Union

How many new union members were there by 1892?

1.2 Million

What was different about the new unions compared to the new model unions?

The New Unions were for lower skilled workers. They had lower subscription fees, higher memberships and were more aggressive

Who said that socialism played a key role in inspiring New Union Leaders as they had lost faith in economic Liberalism?

Hobsbawm

The Bryant and May Matchstick Girls strike 1888:

• Wanted better working conditions and pay

• Led by Annie Besant

• They achieved goal and got sympathy

General Union of Gas workers and General Labourers Strike 1889:

• Wanted 8 hour working day instead of 12 hours

• Lead by Will Thorne and Eleanor Marx - SDF

• Achieved their goal

The London Dock Strike / GREAT DOCK STRIKE of 1889:

• Wanted a dockers’ tanner - 6d an hour for an 8 hour day

• They went on marches through the city

• Ports came to a standstill

• Led by TOM MANN, BEN TILLET AND JOHN JONNY BURNS

How many dockers actually went on strike during the Great Dock Strike?

100,000

What did William Collinson form to combat strikes?

The National Free Labour Association

What did the National Free Labour Association do?

Provided Black Legs so that strikes were ineffective

What was done to defeat Hull dock strikes?

Naval Gun Boats were used to protect strike breakers

What tactic was employed to prevent workers coming back to work?

THE LOCK-OUT

What in 1890 used non-union labour to undermine Tillett’s Dockers Union?

A Shipping Federation

What did employers form to try and weaken the strike weapon diplomatically?

The Employers’ Parliamentary Council

The Coal Industry Strikes 1893:

• Employers wanted wage cuts

• They used the lock out

• Lord Roseberry had to intervene

Cotton and Coal strikes 1891:

• Employers forced through wage cuts

• They forced a lock-out

• Two miners died in a clash with troops

ASE Strike 1897-98:

• Wanted 8 hour working day

• The union spent £500,000 on the strike

• Workers were locked out for 8 months

• The Unions were forced back to work

Lyons v Watkins:

It restricted the rights of picketing after the company said workers were being intimidated.

The Taff Vale Judgement 1901:

The Railway Union had to pay £42,000 in compensation for strike damage after the House of Lords favoured the Employers’ Parliamentary Council