New Model Unionism Flashcards
What was new model unionism
Development of larger unions by skilled workers who used more conservative methods of negotiations which were acceptable to the establishment
A movement on national level could potentially mobilise thousands of people at general elections
The amalgamated society of engineers
Founded in 1851, made by blending together of the old mechanics, the steam engine makers and the general smiths
They wanted to reassert and protect the rights of skilled labour
Who directed the ASE
William Allan adopted a rigid administrative system where an elected council was formally in charge whilst the paid general secretary managed the day to day affairs
Membership of the ase
Tax levied - specific purpose of securing adequate strike pay particularly since it’s members were in a better financial position
Who did the ase support
1859-60 London builders were on strike seeking a reduction in the working day and the ase contributed 3 x £1000 to the builders strike fund which enabled them to hold out for 6 months and succeed
How were the ase successful
Had 12000 members by using their own resources and formed on a national scale
The rapidly industrialising economy made Britain the workshop of the world by the 1850s which heavily relied on the growth of technical industries so they acquired significant leverage
Negatives of NMU
Created a divide among the workers themselves since the workers of semi skilled or unprofessional were left to fend for themselves so created and aristocracy of labour.
Foundation of the trades union congress
The idea was originally driven by George potter who was a carpenter from London and William dronfiled a printer from Sheffield
London trades council
1860 sought to represent the working people of London and was dominated by the leaders fo the ASE and the ASCJ and by 1866 they had amassed more than 100000 affiliates
Meeting organised by dronfield
1866 which 138 delegates attended and resulted in the uk alliance of organised trades being formed
General trades congress
Took place in June 1868 and represented 118000 members of unions
Safeguard unions fund
Until 1867 it was assumed that unions registered under the friendly societies act were able to benefit from the security that it offered
Second congress
August 1869, proposal set by A.W Walton involved the creation of a working mans party where two liberal candidates stood and the TUC resolved to support a new labour representation league to replace the reform league and would seek to send qualified working men to parliament
Molestation of workmen act
1859 conceded more rights to those who chose to picket peacefully during strikes
1867 royal commission
Founded to investigate whether to improve the legal status of unions and heavily associated with industrial unrest- the commission heard from the employers and unions who tired to distance themselves from the unrest