The TUC: From the General Strike to New Unionism

by R. Taylor

Overview

Robert Taylor examines some of the most important personalities and events that shaped the Trades Union Congress during the twentieth century, from the General Strike of 1926 to the New Unionism of the 1990s. The study includes portraits of Walter Citrine, founder of the modern TUC, as well as Ernest Bevin, Arthur Deaking, Frank Cousins, George Woodcock, Vic Feather, Jack Jones, Len Murray, Norman Willis and John Monks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333930663
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	09/11/2000
Series:	From the General Strike to New Unionism
Edition description:	2000
Pages:	299
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

ROBERT TAYLOR is employment editor of the Financial Times. Previous books include The Future of Trade Unionism (1994) and The Trade Union Question in British Politics (1993).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Introduction: The TUC: An Assessment Walter Citrine and TUC Modernisation 1926-1939 Ernest Bevin and the TUC's War 1939-1945 Trade Union Freedom and the Labour Movement: Arthur Deaking, Frank Cousins 1945-1964 What Are We Here For? George Woodcock and TUC Reform 1960-1969 Under Siege: Vic Feather and the Battle for the TUC 1969-1973 Jack Jones and the Social Contract: Myths and Realities Into the Wilderness : The TUC Under Len Murray and Norman Willis Postscript: John Monks and New Unionism Index

Editorial Reviews

Founded in 1868, the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) is the oldest national institution representing organized workers. This study explains and assesses the TUC's achievements, focusing on its creation of the Labour Representation Committee, which later became the Labour Party, and highlighting leaders who helped to shape the TUC since the 1926 General Strike. Taylor is an editor at a financial publication. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'...unlikely to be bettered.' - Paul Routledge, New Statesman

'Robert Taylor has achieved something unprecedented in the annals of trade union historiography. He has written a readable book on the TUC.' - Denis MacShane, Prospect

'Robert Taylor's chosen method of telling that story largely through the leading personalities is a shrewd formula. His narrative puts all the giants of the trade union movement on stage.' - Geoffrey Goodman, UCATT Building Worker

'One has only to read and re-read Taylor's gripping account of the battles over In Place of Strife to realize what opportunities were lost in the late 'sixties, and maybe the 'seventies, to re-develop trade unionism.' - Geoffrey Goodman, IPMS Bulletin

'The brothers who recently assembled for their 132nd Congress in Glasgow may well have longed to be rewarded with a more inspiring, or even encouraging, tale. Yet they could hardly have hoped for a better balanced ore more informative one.' - Anthony Howard, Sunday Times

'...a refreshing reminder of the contribution made to cililisation by some of the leading figures of this other - much maligned - institution.' - Jimmy Burns, The Tablet

From the Publisher