New Model Unionism

Question 1

What was new model unionism

Answer 1

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

Question 2

The amalgamated society of engineers

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Who directed the ASE

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Membership of the ase

Answer 4

Tax levied - specific purpose of securing adequate strike pay particularly since it’s members were in a better financial position

Question 5

Who did the ase support

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How were the ase successful

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Negatives of NMU

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Foundation of the trades union congress

Answer 8

The idea was originally driven by George potter who was a carpenter from London and William dronfiled a printer from Sheffield

Question 9

London trades council

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Meeting organised by dronfield

Answer 10

1866 which 138 delegates attended and resulted in the uk alliance of organised trades being formed

Question 11

General trades congress

Answer 11

Took place in June 1868 and represented 118000 members of unions

Question 12

Safeguard unions fund

Answer 12

Until 1867 it was assumed that unions registered under the friendly societies act were able to benefit from the security that it offered

Question 13

Second congress

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Molestation of workmen act

Answer 14

1859 conceded more rights to those who chose to picket peacefully during strikes

Question 15

1867 royal commission

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Conclusion from the royal commission

Answer 16

Granted trade unions full legality which formulated into trade union act 1871
Meant that if political parties were going to achieve