| |
|
|
Unions
and friendly societies: The establishment of
trade unions helped groups of employees to negotiate jointly with their
employer and to provide security for their members when needed.
This photograph shows some of the founders of the National Farmers Union
at an early meeting in Lincolnshire.
The first trade union to be successfully established at a national level
was the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, in 1851. Over the years trade
unions have played an active role in campaigning for improved wages, hours
of work and industrial welfare. Friendly societies were formed in large
numbers during the 18th and 19th centuries. All types of working people
joined the societies, including tradesmen, craftsmen and labourers. Friendly
societies became an important part of many people's lives. Their members
made regular financial contributions, receiving in return social companionship
and financial assistance in old age or if they fell on hard times.
Choose
an option:
Unions
and friendly societies
|
|
