UNITE History Volume 4 (1960-1974): The Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU): 'The Great Tradition of Independent Working Class Power'

Between 1960 and 1974, the trade union and labor movement in Britain underwent a significant transformation, led by the TGWU. The union's members, particularly women and men in factories, transport depots, and docks, played a crucial role in forging new class unity and achieving victories such as Labour's 1974 general election with a program that called for a shift of wealth and power in favor of working people. This volume of the TGWUs centenary history documents their struggles and achievements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The years between 1960 and 1974 marked a significant transformation in the trade union and labor movement in Britain. Labour had faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, with political analysts suggesting that class politics had lost its influence. However, by 1974, a mobilized trade union movement had successfully brought down a Conservative government, repealed anti-trade union legislation, released imprisoned dockers from Pentonville prison, and provided crucial solidarity to the miners for their victory. The climax of this period was Labour's victory in the 1974 general election with a program that aimed to shift wealth and power in favor of working people.

This volume of the TGWUs centenary history serves as a documentation of the pivotal role played by Britain's largest union in this transformation. Two remarkable general secretaries, Frank Cousins and Jack Jones, provided leadership during this period. However, it is the members of the TGWU who achieved this remarkable transformation. The women and men working in factories, transport depots, and docks, who forged new class unity, are the focus of this book. It captures their voices and experiences, showcasing their struggles from Clydeside, Dublin, and Belfast to Longbridge, Dagenham, and Heathrow. The book also presents a wealth of new material that sheds light on the tactics employed by the government and employers, as well as the complexities of the battles for sex equality and against racial discrimination that contributed to the solidification of this new class unity.

The trade union and labor movement underwent a profound transformation during the 1960s and 1970s, marked by significant challenges and victories. Labour faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, leading to doubts about its relevance in British politics. However, the trade union movement, led by dedicated members and visionary leaders, emerged as a powerful force for change. The mobilization of trade unionists, the repeal of anti-trade union legislation, and the release of imprisoned dockers were just some of the achievements that propelled Labour to victory in the 1974 general election.

The election marked a turning point in British history, as Labour's program for wealth and power redistribution resonated with voters. The party's commitment to social justice, equality, and workers' rights struck a chord with many Britons, who were seeking a change from the conservative policies of the previous government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Labour implemented a series of policies that aimed to address the economic and social inequalities that had plagued the country for decades.

One of the most significant achievements of the Labour government was the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS was a universal healthcare system that provided free medical care to all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. This policy not only improved the health and well-being of millions of people but also reduced healthcare costs for the government.

Labour also prioritized education and training, investing in schools, universities, and vocational training programs to improve the skills and employability of workers. The party also introduced measures to promote social mobility, such as the introduction of housing benefit and the minimum wage.

In addition to these policies, Labour also played a crucial role in international relations. The party supported the decolonization of Africa and Asia, and it was a leading member of the United Nations (UN). Labour also worked to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, working closely with the Arab League and other international organizations.

However, the Labour government faced its share of challenges during its tenure. The economic downturn

The years between 1960 and 1974 marked a period of significant transformation in the trade union and labor movement in Britain. Labour had faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, with political analysts suggesting that class politics had lost its influence. However, by 1974, a mobilized trade union movement had successfully brought down a Conservative government, repealed anti-trade union legislation, released imprisoned dockers from Pentonville prison, and provided crucial solidarity to the miners for their victory. The climax of this period was Labour's victory in the 1974 general election with a program that aimed to shift wealth and power in favor of working people.

This volume of the TGWUs centenary history serves as a documentation of the pivotal role played by Britain's largest union in this transformation. Two remarkable general secretaries, Frank Cousins and Jack Jones, provided leadership during this period. However, it is the members of the TGWU who achieved this remarkable transformation. The women and men working in factories, transport depots, and docks, who forged new class unity, are the focus of this book. It captures their voices and experiences, showcasing their struggles from Clydeside, Dublin, and Belfast to Longbridge, Dagenham, and Heathrow. The book also presents a wealth of new material that sheds light on the tactics employed by the government and employers, as well as the complexities of the battles for sex equality and against racial discrimination that contributed to the solidification of this new class unity.

The trade union and labor movement underwent a profound transformation during the 1960s and 1970s, marked by significant challenges and victories. Labour faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, leading to doubts about its relevance in British politics. However, the trade union movement, led by dedicated members and visionary leaders, emerged as a powerful force for change. The mobilization of trade unionists, the repeal of anti-trade union legislation, and the release of imprisoned dockers were just some of the achievements that propelled Labour to victory in the 1974 general election.

The election marked a turning point in British history, as Labour's program for wealth and power redistribution resonated with voters. The party's commitment to social justice, equality, and workers' rights struck a chord with many Britons, who were seeking a change from the conservative policies of the previous government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Labour implemented a series of policies that aimed to address the economic and social inequalities that had plagued the country for decades.

One of the most significant achievements of the Labour government was the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS was a universal healthcare system that provided free medical care to all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. This policy not only improved the health and well-being of millions of people but also reduced healthcare costs for the government.

Labour also prioritized education and training, investing in schools, universities, and vocational training programs to improve the skills and employability of workers. The party also introduced measures to promote social mobility of workers, such as the introduction of housing benefit and the minimum wage.

In addition to these policies, Labour also played a crucial role in international relations. The party supported the decolonization of Africa and Asia, and it was a leading member of the United Nations (UN). Labour also worked to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, working closely with the Arab League and other international organizations.

However, the Labour government faced its share of challenges during its tenure. The economic downturn

The years between 1960 and 1974 marked a period of significant transformation in the trade union and labor movement in Britain. Labour had faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, with political analysts suggesting that class politics had lost its influence. However, by 1974, a mobilized trade union movement had successfully brought down a Conservative government, repealed anti-trade union legislation, released imprisoned dockers from Pentonville prison, and provided crucial solidarity to the miners for their victory. The climax of this period was Labour's victory in the 1974 general election with a program that aimed to shift wealth and power in favor of working people.

This volume of the TGWUs centenary history serves as a documentation of the pivotal role played by Britain's largest union in this transformation. Two remarkable general secretaries, Frank Cousins and Jack Jones, provided leadership during this period. However, it is the members of the TGWU who achieved this remarkable transformation. The women and men working in factories, transport depots, and docks, who forged new class unity, are the focus of this book. It captures their voices and experiences, showcasing their struggles from Clydeside, Dublin, and Belfast to Longbridge, Dagenham, and Heathrow. The book also presents a wealth of new material that sheds light on the tactics employed by the government and employers, as well as the complexities of the battles for sex equality and against racial discrimination that contributed to the solidification of this new class unity.

The trade union and labor movement underwent a profound transformation during the 1960s and 1970s, marked by significant challenges and victories. Labour faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, leading to doubts about its relevance in British politics. However, the trade union movement, led by dedicated members and visionary leaders, emerged as a powerful force for change. The mobilization of trade unionists, the repeal of anti-trade union legislation, and the release of imprisoned dockers were just some of the achievements that propelled Labour to victory in the 1974 general election.

The election marked a turning point in British history, as Labour's program for wealth and power redistribution resonated with voters. The party's commitment to social justice, equality, and workers' rights struck a chord with many Britons, who were seeking a change from the conservative policies of the previous government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Labour implemented a series of policies that aimed to address the economic and social inequalities that had plagued the country for decades.

One of the most significant achievements of the Labour government was the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS was a universal healthcare system that provided free medical care to all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. This policy not only improved the health and well-being of millions of people but also reduced healthcare costs for the government.

Labour also prioritized education and training, investing in schools, universities, and vocational training programs to improve the skills and employability of workers. The party also introduced measures to promote social mobility, such as the introduction of housing benefit and the minimum wage.

In addition to these policies, Labour also played a crucial role in international relations. The party supported the decolonization of Africa and Asia, and it was a leading member of the United Nations (UN). Labour also worked to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, working closely with the Arab League and other international organizations.

However, the Labour government faced its share of challenges during its tenure. The economic

The years between 1960 and 1974 marked a period of significant transformation in the trade union and labor movement in Britain. Labour had faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, with political analysts suggesting that class politics had lost its influence. However, by 1974, a mobilized trade union movement had successfully brought down a Conservative government, repealed anti-trade union legislation, released imprisoned dockers from Pentonville prison, and provided crucial solidarity to the miners for their victory. The climax of this period was Labour's victory in the 1974 general election with a program that aimed to shift wealth and power in favor of working people.

This volume of the TGWUs centenary history serves as a documentation of the pivotal role played by Britain's largest union in this transformation. Two remarkable general secretaries, Frank Cousins and Jack Jones, provided leadership during this period. However, it is the members of the TGWU who achieved this remarkable transformation. The women and men working in factories, transport depots, and docks, who forged new class unity, are the focus of this book. It captures their voices and experiences, showcasing their struggles from Clydeside, Dublin, and Belfast to Longbridge, Dagenham, and Heathrow. The book also presents a wealth of new material that sheds light on the tactics employed by the government and employers, as well as the complexities of the battles for sex equality and against racial discrimination that contributed to the solidification of this new class unity.

The trade union and labor movement underwent a profound transformation during the 1960s and 1970s, marked by significant challenges and victories. Labour faced electoral defeats for three consecutive years, leading to doubts about its relevance in British politics. However, the trade union movement, led by dedicated members and visionary leaders, emerged as a powerful force for change. The mobilization of trade unionists, the repeal of anti-trade union legislation, and the release of imprisoned dockers were just some of the achievements that propelled Labour to victory in the 1974 general election.

The election marked a turning point in British history, as Labour's program for wealth and power redistribution resonated with voters. The party's commitment to social justice, equality, and workers' rights struck a chord with many Britons, who were seeking a change from the conservative policies of the previous government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Labour implemented a series of policies that aimed to address the economic and social inequalities that had plagued the country for decades.

One of the most significant achievements of the Labour government was the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS was a universal healthcare system that provided free medical care to all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. This policy not only improved the health and well-being of millions of people but also reduced healthcare costs for the government.

Labour also prioritized education and training, investing in schools, universities, and vocational training programs to improve the skills and employability of workers. The party also introduced measures to promote social mobility, such as the introduction of housing benefit and the minimum wage.

In addition to these policies, Labour also played a crucial role in international relations. The party supported the decolonization of Africa and Asia, and it was a leading member of the United Nations (UN). Labour also worked to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, working closely with the Arab League and other international organizations.

However, the Labour government faced its share of challenges during its tenure. The economic

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802077032