NEW UNIONISM

1888-1893, mvmt known as “new unionism”: a rebellion of unskilled workers founding their own unions for the first time (seamen, gas workers, dockers…).

1888: match girls strike organised by Annie Besant, member of the SDF à in summer 1889 there were massive unprecedented mvmts in London working class, cf the gas workers led by Will Thorn: had been a member of the SDF but a worker. The gas workers did not even need to go on strike to get an 8h-day, just the threat of a strike was enough for the employers to make that concession à smth workers all around the world were fighting for, major point of the socialist international. May Day: first Sunday in May, goal to obtain 8h-day, gas workers successful. In August: the dockers followed their examples in London, precarious job, went on strike for a whole month à biggest port in the world of the biggest empire had its trade paralysed. Mvmt supported by Australian workers (remained on strike for a month bc of Australian financial support) à employers forced to make concessions on regularity of employment, could not be recruited for less than half a day.