Chapter 9- Trade Unions Flashcards
How were trade unions created?
-In Medieval times, workers joined Workers’ guilds. that controlled wages and prices.
-Wage competition was a big problem as there were so many workers.
-New technology meant that skilled workers were not needed; the Luddites and the Swing Rioters opposed the new technology and damaged machines.
-The 1825 Combination Act allowed workers in the factories to come together in trade unions to negotiate wages and conditions but nothing else;; they could not use intimidation.
What was the Grand National Consolidated Trades Union (GNCTU)?
-Set up in 1833 by Robert Owen, who was important for factory and social reform.
-His aim was to bring all unions together under one organisation.
-Eventually, the GNCTU had 500,000 members.
-The case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs showed the difficulties of early trade unions.
-Supporters of trade unions gathered petitions and demanded the Tolpuddle Martyrs be returned to England.
-On March 1836, the six men were given a full pardon; the trade unions had won.
Who were the Tolpuddle Martyrs?
-6 farmers led by George Loveless.
-It was created in Tolpuddle, Dorset in February 1834.
-It was created because fewer farm labourers were needed and wages were dropping.
-The martyrs swore an illegal oath to keep their trade union a secret, arrested and transported to endure hard labour.
What were the New Model Unions?
-Examples of New Model Unions are the ASE (Amalgamated Society of Engineers).
-These kind of unions were seen as ‘new model’ because they were highly skilled men, they could afford to pay subscriptions to ensure they received sick pay and other benefits.
-These kind of unions also negotiated rather than going on strike.
What was ‘New Unionism’?
-Although the New Model Unions had been successful, they had only benefitted the more skilled workers.
-The unskilled working class were still very unhappy so took their own action.
-New Unionism was more militant than New Trade Unions.
How is the Matchgirls’ Strike an example of ‘New Unionism’ being successful?
-Matchgirls’ strike, the woman who made matches were in very poor factory conditions. Many of the women became ill due to the poisoning from the chemicals.
-The poisoning caused ‘Phossy Jaw’ and the were paid poor wages as well.
-They went on strike with the help if a journalist, Annie Besant who published,’White Slaves of London,’ calling for a boycott of matches made at Bryant and May.
How is the Dockers’ Strike an example of ‘New Unionism’ being successful?
-The Dockers were led by Ben Tiller in London in 1889.
-They wanted a pay increase from 5 pence to 6 pence an hour. More for overtime was also asked and wanted a guaranteed 4 hours a day.
-They went on strike, marched through London carrying fish heads and rotten vegetables to show what their families lived on; they also picketed the gates of the London Docks.
