Britain : Trade Unionism Flashcards
(53 cards)
What did the repeal of the Combinations act suggest ?
1824 - Was not effective at curbing trade union activity
What made strike action ineffective ?
Migrant workers (knobsticks) would fill in their roles
What did the population grow by in 1750 - 1850 ?
11 million
Why did early unionism fail ?
Lacked popular support, too local
Why couldn’t many workers strike ?
Couldn’t afford to, strike fund too small
How many members of the Grand National actually paid membership fees ?
16,000 / 1,000,000
When was the first finance issue shown for the Grand National ?
1834 - 1500 Mill workers were locked out of worker for being union members, lasted 4 months before having to return
What was the “document” ?
Piece of paper employees were expected to sign which renounced their commitment to any union. If not signed often locked out of work.
When did the Grand National Collapse and why ?
1835 - Increasing use of document meant they couldn’t finance everyone who’s off work, lost fees from those who renounced membership
Two examples of successful societies, but only lasted 2 years ?
1829 - Grand General Union of Operative Spinners of GB and Ireland
National Association for the protection of Labour
When was new model unionism developed ?
1851
Which 2 societies made new model unionism a concern to the gov. ?
ASE
ASCJ
What limited reform was granted due to new model Unionism favourable approach ?
1859 - The Molestation of Workmen act
Gave rights to workers who picketed peacefully during strikes
Why was the 1867 reform act significant to Trade union growth ?
Many skilled workers gained the vote , reflected the work of NMUs increasing power in politics
Name the most influential trades council ?
The London’s Trade Council
What could trades councils do ?
Could mobilise thousands of workers during general elections
When were trade unions granted full legal rights ?
1871
What did the London printers petition for ?
1793 - Higher wages, got 539 signatures, successfully negotiated a raise
When and where were there major strikes by cotton spinners ?
1810 & 1818 - Lancashire
Were able to spread to other industries
What and when was the first general trades union ?
1834 - The Grand National Consolidated Trades Union
When was the Amalgamated society of Engineers established ?
1851
How many members did the ASE have ?
12,000
How did the ASE support striking builders in London ?
Gave a total of £3,000, allowed them to hold out for 6 months and form agreement with employer
When was the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners created ?
1860
