Trade Unions Flashcards
(53 cards)
How did WW1 affect the working classes?
WW1 disrupted traditional employment, increased demand for labor, improved wages, but also led to inflation and poor working conditions.
How much of Britain’s workforce was made up of working class labourers?
Around 80% of the British workforce were working class labourers.
How much did Trade Union membership increase from 1913-1919?
Trade Union membership rose from 4 million in 1913 to over 8 million by 1919.
How much of the population were recruited to the army in WW1?
Approximately 5 million British men served in the army, about 25% of adult male population.
How much of the population were recruited to the Navy in WW1?
Roughly 400,000 men served in the Royal Navy.
How much of the population were recruited to the air force in WW1?
By 1918, around 291,000 were in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force.
How did recruitment and conscription affect British industrial production?
It caused labour shortages, especially in skilled trades, leading to increased use of women and dilution of skills.
Who was Ernest Bevin?
A prominent trade union leader and later Labour politician who co-founded the TGWU.
Who was James Henry Thomas?
Leader of the NUR and a major figure in the Labour movement.
What was the triple alliance?
An alliance between miners, railwaymen, and transport workers formed in 1914 to support each other in industrial disputes.
Who were the MFGB?
Miners’ Federation of Great Britain, the trade union for coal miners.
Who were the NUR?
National Union of Railwaymen, representing railway workers.
Who were the NTWF?
National Transport Workers’ Federation, representing dockers, seamen, and other transport workers.
What was the Munitions of War Act 1915?
Legislation to control labour in munitions factories, restricting strikes and allowing government control.
What was the impact of the Munitions of War act on skilled workers?
It restricted movement and diluted skills by employing less-skilled labourers.
What was dilution and why was it a problem?
The use of unskilled labour in skilled jobs; it led to resentment from skilled workers.
Who was Manny Shinwell?
Labour politician and activist involved in Red Clydeside and trade unionism.
Who was James Maxton?
Independent Labour Party leader and socialist MP from Glasgow.
Why was Glasgow a centre for unrest during WW1?
Due to poor housing, inflation, and strong socialist and trade union movements.
What was the Glasgow rent strike of 1915?
A mass protest by tenants, largely led by women, against rent increases during WW1.
What caused the Glasgow rents strike?
Landlords increasing rents despite wage stagnation and poor living conditions.
Who were the main members of Barbour’s army?
Striking workers and political activists in Glasgow protesting housing and work conditions.
What was the rents and mortgage interest restriction act and when was it passed?
1915 law freezing rents at pre-war levels to combat rent strikes.
What were the causes of the Glasgow rents strike?
High wartime rents, housing shortages, and exploitation by landlords.
