Unionism And Cooperation (booklet 4) Flashcards
(43 cards)
What was the GNCTU and how significant was it’s impact on Britain?
Grand National Consolidated Trades Union 1834. No significant impact, only attempt and failure to organise a general strike, and then collapse due to lack of money as only 16,000 payed subscription.
Name a reason model unions had no significant impact in Britain.
Model Unions formed after 1851 had to pay subscription fees and catered to a small number of skilled workers. Eg Amalgamated Society of Engineers.
How did employers affect the usefulness of trade unions?
They were hostile and could defeat strikes by locking workers out (like Engineers strike 1852).
How did the government view trade unions?
Not considered a threat. Given concessions.
How did trade unions grow despite what happened to the tolpuddle martyrs?
Tolpuddle martyrs’ fate did not stop the growth- by 1874 over 1 million workers had joined a trade Union.
What happened to the tolpuddle martyrs?
Arrested in 1834 for swearing an oath to improve their wages.
How did the ASE have an impact ?
Amalgamated Society of Engineers 1851. Created ‘new model’ for other trade unions and for trades to become unionised.
How did unions improve?
Better funded and better managed, so attracted new members. ASE could pay builders in London £3000 to help their strike in 1860.
How did the formation of trades councils and the TUC have a widespread impact and when?
Labour organised at a regional and National level. TUC first meeting in 1868 with 34 attendants.
What was ‘the document’
Made by employers for workers to sign and state they will not join a union.
How did the shift to factory production facilitate trade unions? give an example group
Brought workers together to make collective organisation easier. New industrial towns helped union growth in centres like Manchester Weavers.
How did work change when shifting to factory production?
Used to be done in small units : master, journeyman and apprentice with direct connection between employer/employee. Factories made divisions and conflicting ideals.
Why did trade unions have to form after the shift to factory production?
Dangerous unguarded machinery and long hours, trade unions to confront issues. Factory employment dominating entire trades led to general unions like John Doherty’s general spinners union.
Give an example of a general union
John Doherty’s general spinners union, 1829.
What was one association formed due to discontent with war?
Wigan weavers 1799 formed association to stop wage reduction. 14 branches in Lancashire by may 1799. Growing mutual support.
What external factor created economic discontent? how did this help TU?
War with French Republic 1793. Create suitable environment for growth of trade unions.
How did French Revolution and war bring issues of low wages into focus?
Caused high food prices and cost of living.
Britains population increase.
1750-1850, 6 million to 17 million.
Give an example of government intervention to trade unions.
Combination acts, 1799 and 1800. But repealed 1824.
How were the development of NMUs an achievement of trade unions?
Defined role and provided model for trade union organisation after 1851. Gained legal status and became accepted practice.
How did NMUs help the development of trade unions?
Capitalised on booming economy to irganise staple industries. Like ASE, 1851, with 12,000 members who could afford to pay london builders £3000 to help their strike in 1860.
How was the GNCTU an achievement?
1833 pioneered idea of National trade Union for workers with over 1 million members. However only 16,000 payed subscription fees so failed general strike in 1834.
How was the TUC an achievement? when founded?
Founded in 1868 as recognised national voice for trade unionists and workers. Forerunner was london trades council formed 1860.
What was an achievement of early trade unions?
Campaigned for voice to defend standards of living, recognised by government repeal of combination acts 1824.
