AAM Archive, Bodleian Library
Activism in the 80s
Trade Unions
Overview
Trade unions have historically been at the forefront of social and political change, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
The origins of the British trade union movement can be traced back to the challenges faced by workers in the early days of industrialization. The rise of factories and mass production brought with it significant changes in working conditions, including long hours, poor wages, and hazardous workplaces.
In the late 18th century, workers began to organise into trade societies or clubs. These early organisations, which were often local and trade-specific, aimed to provide mutual support to their members including financial assistance in times of sickness, death, or unemployment, as well as promoting the skilled trades by regulating entry into them.
British Trades Union Congress: members of the TUC outside the Congress venue, c.1908-9 (SocialHistoryImages / Alamy Stock Photo)
The turning point in the early development of trade unions came when the government passed the Combination Acts in 1799 and 1800. These laws, influenced by the fear of radicalism and labour unrest, aimed to suppress the formation of trade unions and collective bargaining. However, these acts faced significant opposition from workers, who viewed them as an infringement on their rights to organize and improve their working conditions.
As industrialization continued to reshape the British economy, workers in various sectors began to form industrial unions that included members from different trades within a single industry. This shift from craft-based unions to industrial unions broadened the reach and influence of the labour movement. The Amalgamated Society of Engineers (ASE), founded in 1851, is a notable example of an early industrial union.
The 19th century witnessed significant legal and institutional changes that paved the way for the expansion of the British trade union movement. The Trade Union Act of 1871 provided legal recognition and protection for trade unions, allowing them to engage in collective bargaining and strike actions without fear of prosecution. This legislation marked a critical milestone in the movement's development.
Trade Union Demonstration for Equal Pay for Women. USDAW Rally Trafalgar Square London England 1968. (Homer Sykes / Alamy Stock Photo)
Timeline
Key People
Ron Todd
As the General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), Ron Todd was a prominent figure in the British trade union movement's anti-apartheid efforts. He played a crucial role in organizing boycotts and advocating for sanctions against South Africa.
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Terry Duffy
As the leader of the print workers' union (SOGAT), Terry Duffy was another influential figure. His union was at the forefront of anti-apartheid activities, especially during the Wapping dispute. SOGAT members refused to handle materials related to South Africa, showing their commitment to the cause.
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Arthur Scargill
Arthur Scargill is perhaps one of the most iconic trade union leaders of the 1980s. As the President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Scargill led the miners through the historic miners' strike of 1984-85. The strike, a year-long battle against pit closures and the Thatcher government's policies, captured the nation's attention. Although the strike ultimately ended without victory for the miners, Scargill's leadership symbolized the resilience of the labour movement.
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Norman Willis
Norman Willis served as the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a critical period in the 1980s. His leadership played a vital role in coordinating the efforts of various trade unions in their fight against the Thatcher government's policies. Willis worked tirelessly to build unity among trade unions and to promote the interests of workers. Under his guidance, the TUC organized conferences, campaigns, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about labour issues and advocating for workers' rights.
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Brenda Dean
Brenda Dean made history in 1985 when she became the first female general secretary of a major trade union in the UK, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). Her election marked a significant step towards gender equality in trade union leadership roles.
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Ken Gill
Ken Gill, as the leader of the Technical, Administrative, and Supervisory Section (TASS), later merged into the GMB union, was a prominent figure in the trade union movement during the 1980s. He was a vocal critic of the Thatcher government's policies and supported the miners during their strike.
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The Miner’s Strike (1984-85)
The miners' strike of 1984-85 stands as one of the most pivotal moments in British labour history. Fuelled by a fierce determination to protect their livelihoods and communities, coal miners across the UK embarked on a year-long struggle against the policies of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's government. While the primary focus was on challenging pit closures and preserving mining jobs, the strike also had significant links to the global anti-apartheid movement.
The 1980s were marked by a severe economic recession and an ideological shift towards privatization and deregulation. Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government saw the coal industry, plagued by inefficiencies and overcapacity, as a prime target for reform. Plans were set in motion to close 20 coal mines, leading to the loss of over 20,000 jobs.
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In March 1984, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), led by Arthur Scargill, called for a national strike to protest against the pit closures. The strike was not just about wages and working conditions; it was about defending the very existence of the mining communities, where the mines were often the lifeblood of the local economies.
The strike was marked by intense confrontations between the striking miners and the police, leading to several clashes and injuries. The police's use of force and confrontational tactics drew widespread criticism and condemnation. The violence served as a focal point for public debate and heightened tensions throughout the strike.
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As the strike unfolded, trade unions across the UK lent their support to the miners. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) organized a nationwide fundraising campaign, collecting millions of pounds to support the striking miners and their families. This display of solidarity demonstrated the interconnectedness of the British labour movement.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had a history of supporting the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and Arthur Scargill was a vocal advocate for the release of Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid. British miners boycotted coal imports from South Africa, thereby aligning their cause with the fight against apartheid. The symbolic gesture of refusing to handle "apartheid coal" highlighted the interconnectedness of workers' struggles and the global movement for justice.
Jeff Morgan 04 / Alamy Stock Photo
The Wapping Dispute (1986-87)
The Wapping Dispute of 1986-87 was a landmark event in the history of British labour disputes and media industry transformation. This conflict, which revolved around Rupert Murdoch's News International's move to digital printing, had significant ramifications for the print workers' union (SOGAT), led by Ken Gill. As with the miners' strike, trade unions across the UK showed solidarity with the printworkers.
In the mid-1980s, the print industry in the United Kingdom was undergoing a seismic shift. Technological advancements allowed for digital printing, which promised cost-efficiency and increased production speed. Rupert Murdoch's News International sought to implement these changes by moving its printing operations from Fleet Street to Wapping in East London.
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The decision to relocate printing operations to Wapping resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, as traditional printworkers were replaced by a smaller, more flexible workforce. This triggered a dispute between the print unions, including SOGAT, and News International. Printworkers went on strike, and picket lines formed outside the Wapping plant.
The Wapping Dispute was marked by confrontations between striking printworkers and the police. Violence erupted at times, drawing widespread attention and condemnation. The dispute became a focal point for debates about workers' rights and the role of unions in a changing industrial landscape.
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The Wapping Dispute had intriguing links to the global anti-apartheid movement. Ken Gill, the leader of SOGAT, was an outspoken advocate for workers' rights and international solidarity. He was a prominent figure in both the printworkers' struggle and the broader labour movement.
One of the notable actions taken during the Wapping Dispute was the boycott of South African newspapers. Printworkers refused to handle publications containing "apartheid propaganda." This symbolic gesture demonstrated their solidarity with the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and drew parallels between labour struggles and the fight for justice on a global scale.
