Trade Unions and unionism 1886-1914 Flashcards
Trade union membership in 1888
750,000, 10% of all adult male workers
Why did new unionism emerge
The economic depression which had led to increased unemployment and terrible social conditions
How were new unions different from model unions
They represented the unskilled workers and adopted a more militaristic approach
How were new unions easy to join
They represented everyone within industry and charged very low subscriptions
1875 Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act
Decriminalised the work of trade unions and made picketing viable again
1888 Bryant Match Girls Strike
A successful strike which campaigned for better working conditions as the girls had had to endure dangerous work of dipping sticks in yellow phosphorous
1889 Gas Workers Union Strike
A successful strike where they campaigned for an 8 hour day rather than 12 hour shifts, and it was quickly agreed by the Metropolitan Gas Company
It was led by Will Thorn
1889 Dockers Strike
A successful strike over low pay
The strike lasted for 5 weeks and were supported by money rates by union supports in Australia
1890 May Day demonstration
A strike in favour of an 8 hour day, with 300,000 people attending
Blackleg labour
In 1893, the National Free Labour Association were able to provide blackleg labour to employers to replace the strikers
Lyons v Wilkins case
Set a precedent for outlawing even peaceful picketing
How did the 1901 Taff Vale judgment impact trade unions
The union was made to pay £23,000 in compensation and costs
It made unions realise that strike action was too risky
Made them move to political action
How did the 1906 Trade Disputes Act help unions
Overturned the Taff Vale judgement so trade unions could strike again
Osbourne Judgement
Meant that trade unions could not fund political parties, which dealt a blow to the Labour Party
Trade Union Act 1913
Overturned the Osbourne Judgement
Trade union membership growth
2.5 million in 1908 to 4.1 million in 1914
Number of working days lost in 1912 due to strikes
41 million
What new type of strikes emerged
The first ever national railway strike in 1911
First ever national transport strike in 1912
Syndicalism
Argued for a class war, with trade unions governing a revolutionary society
George Sorel’s impact on syndicalism
Published ‘Reflections on Violence’
Tom Mann’s impact on syndicalism
Set up the Industrial Syndicalist League
Was imprisoned following his publication of the ‘Don’t shoot leaflet’
Evidence that syndicalism was ignored
The Labour Party condemned it
Most people were sceptical of it due to Bolsheviks in Russia
Majority of Union leaders were moderates
Evidence that syndicalism was important
There were strong signs of syndicalist movements in South Wales and Liverpool
Stirred up grass roots trade unionists
Example of associations being made to counter unions
The Federation of the Engineering Employers organised a successful lockout of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers
How did the conservative government threaten unions
They encouraged firms to legally challenge the unions
Osbourne Judgement emerged similar to this
Success of the Labour Representation committee
Won 3 by elections in 1902-3
How did the split of the Liberals over Home Rule affect trade unions
It meant that key radical figures like Chamberlain left the party and affected the union’s links with trade unions
LRC
The Labour Representation committee formed in 1900
How did the 1901 Taff Vale judgement impact the Labour Party
It led to a rise in membership from 350,000 in 1901 to 861,000 in 1902
Fabian society
Set up in 1884 and encouraged evolutionary socialism
How many fabian essays were read
27,000 copies were sold in 1889-90
Employers and Workmen Act 1875
Prevented prison sentences for employers who broke their contract
