Why Early Trade Unions Grew Flashcards

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What is a trade union?

A trade union is an organised group of workers who join together to protect their pay, hours and working conditions.

Factories brought large numbers of workers together under one employer, which made it easier for them to organise and act as a group.

Many workers were paid very little, so they joined unions to demand higher wages and stop employers cutting pay.

Workers faced very long days and many accidents, so they joined unions to campaign for shorter hours and safer conditions.

Single workers had little power, as employers could easily sack and replace them, so they needed to join together.

As people moved into towns, many workers lived and worked close together, which made meetings and organising easier.

Skilled workers, like engineers or builders, were harder to replace and could afford union fees, so they were able to organise first.

When prices went up faster than wages, workers struggled to live, so they joined unions to protect their standard of living.

Repeal made many types of worker combinations legal, so it became easier and safer for workers to form trade unions.

Friendly societies showed workers how to pay regular subscriptions and support each other, which was a model for trade unions.