Unionism and Cooperation Flashcards
What is a trade union?
A worker’s organisation which helps its members
Name 2 reasons why people join trade unions.
Wages, rights, pensions, benefits, solidarity
What did employers make employees sign in the 1820s and 1830s to stop them joining a trade union?
The Document
What did the Combination Acts stop?
Setting up a trade union
When were the Combination Acts passed?
1799/1800
Which prime minister was in power when the Combination Acts were passed?
William Pitt
What did the Friendly Societies Act of 1793 demand of Friendly Societies? Give 2 points.
Register with JP, rules, constitution, lodge documentation, updates, etc
Which law was used against the Tollpuddle Martyrs?
Illegal oaths Act 1797
What county is Tolpuddle in?
Dorset
When did the Tolpuddle Martyrs case occur?
1834
How many Tolpuddle Martyrs were there?
6
Who was the main Tolpuddle martyr?
George Loveless
Why did the Tolpuddle Martyrs form a union?
Because they were being paid only 6 shillings a weeks when the average wage was 10.
In what year were the Combination Acts repealed?
1824
What happened to the Tolpuddle Martyrs?
Transported to Australia
When were the Tolpuddle Martyrs pardoned?
1836
What did the Amending Act of 1825 do?
Made is difficult to strike
When was the National Union of Cotton Spinners founded by John Doherty?
1829
Give 2 reasons why the Grand National Consolidated Trade Union failed in 1834.
The Document, Whig opposition, lack of support from 4 biggest unions, communications, funding
Who founded the GNCTU?
Robert Owen
What is capitalism?
Pursuit of profit from private ownership of business
What was a ‘knobstick’?
Strike breaker
What does the term ‘Laissez faire’ mean and to what does it refer?
Governments leaving things to sort themselves out in economic matters
What is a closed shop?
A workplace where everyone has to join a trade union
What is the definition of an artisan?
A skilled worker/tradesman
Which unions joined together in 1851 to form the Amalgamated Society of Engineers?
Old Mechanics, Steam Engine Makers’ Society and the General Smiths
Name 2 characteristics of New Model Unionism?
Skilled workers, small unions joining together to create a large one, used negotiation rather than militancy, respect and moderation.
What was the idea of an ‘aristocracy of labour’ as described by the Webbs?
The division of skilled/unskilled labour/hierachy of labour.
Why was the ASE successful where the GNCTU had failed? Give 3 reasons.
Leadership of William Allan, rigid admin system, paid general secretary, elected executive council, membership tax rather than voluntary contributions.
What role did the ASE take in the London builders dispute and when was it?
1859-60, the London builders on strike wanting reduction to 9 hour day, ASE gave 3 donations of 1,000 to strike fund to give them the chance to hold out for 6 months and made the employers compromise.
