ABSTRACT
Trade unionism in the iron and steel trades has a fairly long history. Employers in the steel trade adopted many of the unsatisfactory arrangements still existing in the iron trade, particularly contracting and sub-contracting in the works, and excessive weekend and Sunday labour. The expansion of the steel trade necessitated changes in the process of pig-iron production, and developments in blast furnace practice took place. The tinplate trade has a somewhat eventful Trade Union record. All trade questions affecting wages and conditions and the conduct of Joint Boards and negotiation machinery were vested in the Confederation; also the provision of legal services. The Union is represented on the Tinplate and Welsh Sheet Trades Joint Industrial Council. In connection with the galvanising section of the sheet trade it has its separate joint board for negotiating with the employers on behalf of its members.
