History of Trade Unions

In 1867, the Trade Union movement in Britain was limited to a mere 5% of the working class. They were uncoordinated and unsupported by the law. In fact, had the government, or even employers, cracked down on them they could easily have been crushed. Yet by 1900, they have millions of members, legal protection and strong political influence. The early trade unions consisted mainly of artisans, skilled workers who could afford to pay the comparatively high subscription charges. …

…funding, legal backing and a growing political interest and influence, which would eventually result in the Labour Party. This remarkable transformation was, ironically, marshalled by men such as Ramsey Macdonald, who were snubbed by the established political parties, despite their devastating political ability. The unwillingness of the successive governments to make genuine widespread working class reform forced the workers to unite together, behind leaders who were able to develop the trade unions carefully and skilfully.