The TUC From the general strike to new unionism

Robert Taylor, Palgrave, 299 pages, paperback, £15.99

This book centres on a close-up examination of the work of several key

union leaders who have helped to reshape the TUC since the 1926 general

strike. It looks at their opinions, their endeavours and the problems

they faced.

For example, the big problem for Walter Citrine, who was TUC general

secretary from 1926-1946, was the 1927 Trades Dispute Act which was not

repealed until 1946. During the war, he formed a close alliance with

Ernest Bevin, who was minister of labour in the coalition government

under Churchill. It was this alliance that led to the creation of the

Consultative Committee which brought together union representatives,

employers organisation members and MPs.

Citrine also played a major role in modernising the TUC's administrative

structures.

Other leading trade unionists under the microscope in this book include

the right-wing general council member Arthur Deakin, George Woodcock,

TUC secretary during the 1960s, Vic Feather, TUC secretary from 1969-

campaigned for flat-rate pay increases to improve the lot of the lowest

paid.

Throughout the Thatcher years from 1979 onwards, the movement suffered

from appalling anti-union laws, and the TUC was no exception. In 1993,

John Monks became the TUC's secretary and has since been engaged in

further steps towards modernisation.