The Role of Trade Unions in Changes in Employment and Working conditions

Trade Unions – Reasons for increase Success of TUs encouraged increase in membership Success of TUs encouraged increase in membership Semi and unskilled workers joined in large numbers Semi and unskilled workers joined in large numbers High employment figures meant more members between these years High employment figures meant more members between these years Preparation for WW1 meant rise in production therefore, rise in membership Preparation for WW1 meant rise in production therefore, rise in membership During WW1 women in industry boosted membership During WW1 women in industry boosted membership

The Growth of Trade Unions before the 1880s Main function of Trade Unions was to improve hours of work, pay and safety. Main function of Trade Unions was to improve hours of work, pay and safety. Unions were small, local and ineffective. Unions were small, local and ineffective.

The Growth of Trade Unions 1880s – 1918 Trade Unions contributed to the formation of the Labour Party in the 1890’s. Trade Unions contributed to the formation of the Labour Party in the 1890’s. The party represented the interests of working class people The party represented the interests of working class people British trade union membership increased from 750,000 in 1888 to 2 million in 1900 and over 4 million by British trade union membership increased from 750,000 in 1888 to 2 million in 1900 and over 4 million by During WW1, union membership doubled, women becoming more actively involved. During WW1, union membership doubled, women becoming more actively involved.

Industrial Unrest 1880s – 1918 More unskilled workers were encouraged to join unions. Many strikes between 1900 – Less successful when unemployment was high, employers not willing to negotiate WW1 meant end of many strikes except on “Red Clyde side”, in ,000 workers in Clydebank took part in general strike.

The 1920s and 1930s Unemployment soared during economic depression. Unemployment soared during economic depression. Trade Union membership fell from 8 million in 1920 to 4 million in Trade Union membership fell from 8 million in 1920 to 4 million in In the late 1930s trade unions began to grow again as the country prepared for war. In the late 1930s trade unions began to grow again as the country prepared for war. Unions were formed in new and growing unions. Unions were formed in new and growing unions.

Trade Unions in WW2 Cooperated with the government during WW2. Cooperated with the government during WW2. Union membership increased during the war, unions gained improvements in working conditions in war work. Union membership increased during the war, unions gained improvements in working conditions in war work. Working people expected further improvements in working conditions in post-war Britain. Working people expected further improvements in working conditions in post-war Britain.

Trade Unions 1945 – 1980s Year Trade Union Membership million million million

After WW2 Britain faced major competition from abroad. Unions opposed any reduction in the number of workers. Unions gained improvements in pay and conditions through negotiations in the 1950s and confrontations in the 1960s and 1970s. Trade Union membership fell at times of high unemployment. Workers became unwilling to take strike action in case they lost their jobs.