ABSTRACT
Given the alleged importance of profit-sharing's impact on trade unionism, it is peculiar that the TUC did not make clear its official opinion until 1923 which condemned the capitalist attempt to introduce forms of co-partnership as 'designed to mislead the workers to prevent trade union solidarity'. Contrary to contemporary assumption and the current beliefs of the historians, many influential union leaders wholeheartedly supported the system. The principles of trade unions and profit-sharing were in obvious contradiction. The union leaders who were committed to socialism, by contrast, were unanimously hostile to profit-sharing and co-partnership. The staunchest oppponents were, however, found among leaders of the new unions that burst into existence around 1889. The change in attitude on the part of union leaders certainly derived in large part from changes in personal beliefs and experiences. There is plentiful evidence for the enthusiasm of a number of union workers for profit-sharing a co-partnership.
