ABSTRACT

First published in 1973. In this study of trade union political activity in the period since 1945, the author demolishes much of the original rhetoric and inherited wisdom to provide an alternative insight on the entire subject of unions in politics. For his study the author has chosen to examine, in detail, the political interests and activities of a representative group of British unions, while an extended chapter makes a comparative assessment of the American experience. This title will be of interest to scholars and students of history and politics.

chapter Chapter I|14 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter III|21 pages

The Engineers’ Sponsoring of MPs, 1950–1965

chapter Chapter IV|17 pages

Measuring Grass Roots Commitment and Activity

chapter Chapter V|21 pages

Political Action for Non-political Purposes

chapter Chapter VIII|19 pages

Functioning of the Trade Union Group, 1954–1966

chapter Chapter IX|15 pages

The Transport and General Workers’ Union (T & GWU)

chapter Chapter XI|27 pages

The American Unions’ Political Purpose and Methodology

chapter Chapter XII|9 pages

Summary and Conclusions

chapter Chapter XIII|20 pages

Epilogue: Based on Events in Britain Since 1967