How far do you agree that new model unionism in the years 1850-70 was more effectively organised than trade unionism in the years 1785-34?? Flashcards
factor 1) Organisation of strike action
Facts- The NMU’s had the funding that early trade unions didn’t have, which allowed them to be appear more organised because of the relative effectiveness of their striking
-ASE backed London builders who strike for 6 months in 1859-60 with 3 £1000 donations which allowed them to come to an agreement with their employers
-IN COMPARISON the Grand national had over a million members and yet only 16,000 members paying subscription fees
-HOWEVER early movements weren’t completely disorganised, they moreso just lacked the funding to be effective.
eg 1799 wigan weavers organised themselves into a union to campaign against wage reductions. they had 14 branches across Lancashire
-Cotton spinners in lancashire striked for 4 months in 1810 which the 1818 one saw action spread across different industries which threatened a nationwide stoppage.
Whilst early unions had less strike action due to less support and funding, the strikes that they did initiate were no less organised than that of the NMUs overall
Factor 2) Internal organisation
- Applegarth and Allan valued forms of negotiation and co-operation rather than militancy, making them more effective when faced with employers/ government
- ASE administration system was highly effective, involved an executive council (in charge) and a paid general secretary to manage day to day affairs and co-ordination of local branches
- Early trade unions looked to be well internally organised because they worked at such a local level, however as they expanded they were unsuccessful at organisation at a national level.
- Cotton spinner strike in 1818 failed simply because 5 leaders were arrested, suggesting a distinct level of fragility and lack of organisation
- GN failed in 1835 as it failed to organise its 1mn members, only 16,000 of which paid membership fees, no general secretary or executive council.
- Philanthropic hercules in London and Philanthropic society in Lancashire both failed as they couldn’t organise older unions together
- John Doherty grand general union of the operative spinner of Gb and Ireland and national association for the protection of labour were more successful but failed within 2 years.
Factor 3) Relationship with government
-Early unionism attempts were deemed radical by the government due to the legacy of the French revolution, which led to their vehement opposition of early unionism
-‘The Document’ was used to prohibit occupation opportunities for those who were part of a union. People were fired by employers for being part of a union under the document, led to the failure of the GN in 1835
-1799-1800 combination acts banned unionism as a practice
IN COMPARISON, NMUs saw extensive benefits from the government as a result of their better organisation and more refined practice
-molestation of workmen act in 1859 gave improved rights to workers that protested peacefully
-reform of master and servant act in 1867
-1867 Royal commission were impressed with the organisation and funding mechanics of NMUs. the fact the govt were willing to support the NMU whereas they feared and oppressed early unions would suggest a huge improvement in the organisation and quality of unionism.
-The influence of more paternal governments under Peel may have accounted for some of the changing attitudes towards NMUS
Criteria/ line of argument
NMU were better organised than early unions because they were national, sustainable, and appealed to the government whereas early unions suffered government repression and a lack of funding as a result of ineffective organisation, the GN epitomised this the most
