The Crises Faced by the Liberals (1910-1914): Strike Action

Main Causes of increased strikes during 1910-1914:

Decline in real wages due to inflation linked to the Boer War, poor working conditions (long day, low wages, 'per piece' payment), employers breaking agreements with employees, increased trade union recognition, increased lock outs, increased trade union militancy (syndicalism)

What is the period 1910-1914 in industrial relations known as?

The Great Unrest

Why did lock outs increase during 1910-1914?

Employers believed that they should be able to manage workers without the involvement of trade unions, increased foreign competition due to technology meant workers were expected to work harder and longer

What is syndicalism?

The idea that an industrial democracy should be established meaning the workers own and manage industry (linked to socialism), this can be achieved through militant general strikes

In 1910-1914, how much of the working class are in trade unions?

20-25% (big majority not organised, hence syndicalism can't be that big)

Were workers themselves generally strong supporters of syndicalism?

The workers generally were not syndicalists, more concerned with their working conditions but they supported syndicalist leaders because they were more proactive and got things done

What did the 1908 Mines Act do?

Established the 8hr work day-- good but workers simply make 4 workers do 8hr shifts for all 24 hrs of the day

Syndicalist Trade Union leaders:

Ben Tilett (New Union Leader), AJ Cook, Mann

Where was syndicalism popular?

In Wales due to an industrial accident in Senghenydd in 1913-- 439 people killed due to unsafe working conditions

What were 'Wildcat Strikes'?

Strikes that ocourr spontaneously without the organisation or approval of trade union leaders

Which industries experience strikes during this time?

Coal, cotton, textiles, dockers, railway, agriculture, Irish transport

Why was the coal industry susceptible to strike action? Why was this significant?

The price of coal caused wages to fluctuate, coal was a big staple industry and this heavily impacted the economy

Violence During Strike Action: July 1910 South Wales

A coal strike in South Wales led to violence towards scabs, rioting and a worker being fatally shot by troops sent by Churchill to control the disturbance (Merthyr Tydfil)

Violence During Strike Action: August 1911 Liverpool

In Liverpool there is a violent riot, 3,500 troops are sent in and 2 strikers are shot dead, battleships are sent in to intimidate strikers

Violence During Strike Action: 1913 Dublin

Strikes by the Irish Transport and General Workers Union in Dublin turn violent, this leads to the formation of the Irish Citizens Army by Larkin and Connolly

Main methods of response to strikes from the Liberal government:

Conciliations, violent (kicks) troops and police action, legislation to improve worker conditions

What did the Arbitration Act 1890 do?

It establish conciliations-- negotiation and compromise between workers and employers chaired by an independent person

Who was the important Liberal figure in conciliations?

George Askwith-- was able to settle all conciliation meetings except the 1910 coal strike in South Wales

What did the Coal Mines Act 1912 do?

Instated a mechanism for minimum wage-- still not too interventionist

What was the 'triple alliance'? When did it come about?

In 1914 the miners union, National Union of Railwaymen and Transport Workers Federation combine together and promise to coordinate their strike action

Why did the Triple Alliance pose a threat?

This showed very real potential for a general strike

How many workers were included in the Triple Alliance?

1.3million

What was the Triple Alliance about practically?

It was about trade union leaders regaining control after wildcat strikes-- e.g 1912 miners strike was unauthorised and cost the union £94,000

Why did a general strike NOT happen?

WW1 stopped it from happening

What was the resolution of the January 1910 coal miners strike?

Askwith resolves it through conciliation, workers receive a new shift system and a wage increase

What was the result of the July 1910 coal strike in South Wales?

The miners do NOT receive concessions, are merely starved back to work and the strikes turn violent, troops are introduced

What were the aims of the 1910 South Wales coal strike?

Protesting the 8hr work day, piece-rates and corrupt employers

What were the aims of the January 1910 coal strike?

Protesting the 8hr work day

What were the results of the 1911 Singer (sewing machine company) strike?

400 workers (especially syndicalist ones) are sacked

What advice did the Sankey Commission offer to deal with poor industrial relations?

They said that coal and other industries should remain in public hands-- ppl don't like this

What type of strike action comes about for the first time during the Great Unrest (1910-1914)?

A national miners strike