How far do you agree that the development of the New Model Unions was the most important achievement of trade unions in the years 1785-1870? (2018) Flashcards
What are the 4 factors in this essay?
New Model Unions (NMU)
Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Early Unions (18th/19th century)
Grand National (1834-35)
When and what was the first New Model Union created?
1851
Amalgamated Society of Engineers.
In 1862, how many members and how much money did the ASE have?
12k members.
£12k.
ASE was more organised and financially backed.
When and what was the London Builder’s strike?
1859-60
ASE gave £3k fund which allowed them to hold out for 6 months.
Gained a 9 hour working day.
Who did the ASE have a good relationship with?
The Liberal Party.
Due to its large support base.
What did the ASE become the standard model for?
All following successful trade unionism.
Larger skilled unions formed as a result. E..g, 1874- 1 million members in a union.
What ‘aristocracy of labour’ did the ASE create?
Increased tensions between workers in unions and those not.
Focus on skilled workers divided the workforce.
How was the ASE isolated in separated trade? What size scale was it on?
ASE tended to only operate within its own trades, rather than general.
On a smaller scale.
Who created the Trades Union Congress (TUC)?
George Potter and William Dronfield with the aim to a create a united trade union.
It was a universal trade union on a national scale.
What did the TUC replace?
The London Trades Council.
Did the TUC take to parliament?
Yes, often.
(TUC) In 1874, how many members were there in trade unions?
1+ million.
(TUC) When and who formed the Sheffield Meeting?
When and why did this fail?
1866
William Dronfield.
FAILED: 1867
Due to financial problems and treasurer’s involvement in the 1866 Sheffield Outrage where there were violent attacks.
(TUC) After the failure of the Sheffield Meeting, what happened?
June 1868
A meeting occurred- 34 delegates represented 188k union members.
Formed the Trades Union Congress!
(TUC) When and what was the Friendly Societies Act?
1867
Union’s funds now not protected.
How was the TUC successful in August 1869?
Helped pass 2nd Reform Act, which supported the new Labour Representation Act- sent working class men to parliament.
What were the failures of the TUC?
Didn’t receive the size of the Grand National who were the most successful union before 1834.
Had less of an influence than Parliament’s industrial interests.
What did the Early Unions survive?
Hostile government attitudes… laissze faire policies!!!
What was the 1799-1800 Combinations Acts?
Made it illegal to form or join trade unions that worked against employers’ freedoms.
Punishment= 3 months jail or 2 months hard labour.
What did the 1823 Master and Servant Act do?
Made the failure to fulfil a work contract a crime punishable by imprisonment.
Aided private industry.
Did early unions have any major strikes? Example?
Some major strikes, but usually small.
Bradford- Combers and Weavers Union attracted national attention with a London newspaper saying “champions of common interest”.
But… failed after 23 weeks despite receiving £15k by supporters.
When was the Grand National formed? What was it?
1834
1st national trade union.
What did the Grand National led to employers using?
‘the Document’.
Workers had to sign to say they weren’t a union member and wouldn’t join.
How did the Grand National not help the broader issue of workers’ rights?
Remained very independent, each of their own trade interest.
Due to ‘the Document’, what happened to mill workers in Derby? How long did this last?
1834
1.5k mill workers locked out of work for failing to leave their union.
Lasted 4 months without pay but had to return to work because Grand National didn’t support them enough.
When did the Grand National collapse and why?
1835
Financially collapsed.
1+ million members but only 16k paid fees.
