DOCSLIB.ORG

A NEW COLLECTIVISM How Private Sector Trade Unions Can Innovate and Grow

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A NEW COLLECTIVISM How Private Sector Trade Unions Can Innovate and Grow FABIAN POLICY REPORT A NEW COLLECTIVISM How private sector trade unions can innovate and grow Edited by Cameron Tait and Tobias Phibbs, with an introduction by Frances O’Grady and contributions from Jack Dromey, John Monks, Sue Ferns, Melanie Simms and more CONTENTS 4 Introduction Frances O’Grady 5 Towards a membership renaissance The Changing Work Centre was established by Cameron Tait the Fabian Society and the trade union Community 9 A radical agenda for trade in February 2016 to explore progressive ideas for unions in the private sector the modern world of work. Through in-house and Jack Dromey and John Monks commissioned research and events, the centre is looking at the changing world of work, attitudes towards it 12 Going for growth and how the left should respond. The centre is chaired John Hannett by Yvette Cooper MP and supported by an advisory 14 Working together panel of experts and politicians. Kay Carberry 16 Diversity in everything we do Naomi Pohl 18 Creating the conditions to Community is a modern trade union with over a hundred deliver for the low-paid years’ experience standing up for working people. With David Arnold roots in traditional industries, Community now represents workers across the UK in various sectors. 20 How do unions eat the digital elephant? One bite at a time Sue Ferns 23 Workers doing it for themselves Lauren Crowley 25 Trade unions and the state David Coats 28 Getting the policy context right Melanie Simms A Fabian Society report Like all publications of the Fabian Society, this General secretary Andrew Harrop report represents not the collective views of Editorial director Kate Murray the society, but only the views of the individual Report editors Cameron Tait and Tobias Phibbs writers. The responsibility of the society is limited to approving its publications as worthy of consideration within the labour movement. First published in December 2017 Cover image © Tymur Korkishko/Shutterstock 3 / A new collectivism Introduction by Frances O’Grady OME DAYS YOU get a glimpse of what Strade unionism could be. Earlier this year, I met Lewis and Shen, two of the young workers who have taken on the might of McDonald’s. Their energy and © Community determination is inspiring. But Lewis and Shen are unusual. They private sector trade union movement. workplace reps every year, to help unions are active trade unionists in their twen- Some ideas may feel uncomfortable. But develop smart strategies that bring the ties. And they work not just in the private that is a plus: we should spend more time benefits of trade unionism to unorganised sector, but in one of its highest-turnover thinking and working out how we build an workers. For the past six months we’ve industries – hospitality. offer that will help us recruit more private been working with two unions to pilot a Too few young workers are in trade sector workers. new joining journey to get non-traditional unions. And yet combining with their workers into trade unionism. colleagues in a union is the most powerful Our biggest priority is organising tool working people have at their disposal. As the former Scottish young private sector workers. Our Collective organising gives ordinary work- miners’ leader Mick programme is being co-created with ing people the power to force their bosses young private sector workers themselves. to the table and make them negotiate. McGahey said: After a year of research and development And that’s what unions have done, for (which you can read about at tuc.org.uk/ nearly 200 years. But now, with member- “We are a movement, building-stronger-unions), we’ve begun to ship falling, particularly in the private sec- prototype a model of trade unionism that tor, we need to work out how we reform not a monument.” appeals to young workers and is tailored trade unionism for the 2020s. to their lives. The offer will be built around Too many private sector and younger The last few years give me hope. We the union movement’s traditional strength workers don’t think of unions as represent- have seen an upswing in union organis- of helping people get on in life. It will give ing people like them. They have never met ing in high-profile workplaces. At Sports a new way in to trade unionism, one which anyone who is in a union. The slow pace Direct, Unite are steadily increasing their we hope in the long term will deliver the of union digital adoption puts us out of membership – and they have already won benefits of collective bargaining to the contention for the attention of those we higher wages for the staff, started agency under-30s. I look forward to launching a want to join. And above all, we do not workers on the path to permanent jobs, and full pilot during the TUC’s 150th anniver- have a compelling proposition of trade dragged the boss to parliament to explain sary year, 2018. unionism for people who don’t work in himself. GMB have won a series of victories The founders of the trade union an already-organised workplace – which proving that so-called self-employed driv- movement took on the cosy consensus includes most private sector workers. ers in private hire and delivery are in law of their day – that bosses could do what Plus, capital is changing. Business workers who are entitled to holiday pay they liked with impunity – and proved models are changing. And working lives are and sick leave. Usdaw, organising in the them wrong. Now trade unionists need to changing too. It’s not the case that work is high-turnover retail sector, have to run fast innovate to take on a new generation of suddenly fair and well-paid for everyone. to stand still – but they now increase their bosses who believe that collective power Trade unions should be part of fixing the overall membership every year. Bectu’s in- among working people is a thing of the past. new forms of exploitation we see. But unless novative organising model in the entertain- As the former Scottish miners’ leader Mick we change our movement, we won’t be. ment industry helps self-employed skilled McGahey once said: “We are a movement, That’s why I am delighted to introduce technicians negotiate fair rates for everyone. not a monument.” It’s time for a change. F this collection of essays. All the contribu- And the TUC is getting behind union tors are champions of a strong and effective organising too. We train thousands of Frances O’Grady is general secretary of the TUC 4 / Fabian Policy Report Towards a membership renaissance Trade unions have a mountain to climb to stem four decades of membership decline, but it is not insurmountable. Cameron Tait presents the findings of new Changing Work Centre research on how unions can create a resurgence in private sector membership. Cameron Tait is head of the Changing Work Centre VER THE LAST 40 years the UK’s trade The challenge for unions sector as a whole. In particular, only 2.5 per Ounion movement has fallen from Membership in the private sector is now cent of people working in hospitality, the the strongest in the developed world less than a third of what it was at its peak third fastest growing industry in the UK, to a movement facing a fight to remain in 1979, falling from 45 to 13 per cent of are members of a trade union. Meanwhile, relevant. Overcoming historic and inter- the commercial workforce. Legislation, in- many of the industries in which unions national trends will be difficult, but recent dustrial change and shifting attitudes have have traditionally been strong are employ- research from the Fabian Society and all played a role in this change. As a result, ing fewer people. Community’s Changing Work Centre sug- unions organising in the private sector are Changing attitudes represent another gests there is a pathway to a membership more restricted by anti-union regulation, headwind for unions to overcome. Over renaissance, if unions can come together, a rise in smaller workplaces has made it the last 15 years people have become overcome competitive differences, and more difficult for unions to organise, and a more individualistic in their attitudes forge a new partnership with government generation of workers are coming through to work. Our survey shows more of the and business. the labour market who have never worked workforce now want to deal with their pay The Changing Work Centre undertook in an organised workplace. individually, which marks a stark contrast a programme of research on the future To make matters worse, this low point is to previous surveys which have shown of private sector trade unionism between not necessarily the end of the decline. Our a preference for collective pay bargain- 2016 and 2017, including a face-to-face research suggests future industrial change ing (see figure two) and this finding was survey of 1,339 workers representative could make life more difficult for unions. confirmed in our focus groups with young of the workforce as a whole, a series of This is because the five fastest growing private sector workers. These results could focus groups with non-unionised private private sector industries have amongst the be explained by a growing lack of familiar- sector workers between the ages of 18 and lowest levels of trade union membership ity with collective pay bargaining in the 35, and a consultation with more than 40 (see figure one). All five of the private sec- workforce, but the upshot for unions is trade union general secretaries, senior tor industries with the highest projected the same: the argument for collectivism staff members, and lay activists.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Labour Party: Jaguar Land Rover Agreement 'Great Example of Cooperation' - Ed Miliband
    Oct 18, 2010 12:19 BST Labour Party: Jaguar Land Rover agreement 'great example of cooperation' - Ed Miliband Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, today joined John Denham MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, and Jack Dromey MP, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington, to praise the cooperation between Jaguar Land Rover, the company’s workforce and the trade union, in securing long-term investment in Castle Bromwich, Solihull and Halewood. All three welcomed the deal, which is a huge boost for manufacturing in the UK while also safeguarding jobs and driving forward growth in the area. Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said: “This is a great example of cooperation between Jaguar Land Rover, the company’s workforce and the trade union. As a result of this responsible negotiation, manufacturing in Castle Bromwich, Solihull and Halewood is secu re. This decision will drive growth in Britain and bring extra jobs to the West Midlands and Merseyside. “This news of £5 billion investment in British manufacturing stands in stark contrast to how the Tory-led Coalition Government are approaching the current economic situation by putting the fragile recovery at risk and undermining economic growth.” John Denham MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, said: “It is great news that Jaguar Land Rover, a truly global automotive company, has chosen Britain’s manufacturing sector as its long-term base. This news is a testament to the company’s workforce, which for generations has developed a world-class reputation for British manufacturing.” Jack Dromey MP, Member of Parliament for Erdington, the location of the Castle Bromwich site, said: “This is brilliant news in bleak times.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring Business Forum Programme
    Join us in March for a series of events with our Frontbench politicians including Keir Starmer, Anneliese Dodds, Ed Miliband, Bridget Phillipson, Rachel Reeves, Emily Thornberry, Chi Onwurah, Lucy Powell, Pat McFadden, Jim McMahon and many others. Monday 8 march 2021 8am – 8.50am Breakfast Anneliese Dodds ‘In Conversation with’ Helia Ebrahimi, Ch4 Economics correspondent, and audience Q and A Supported by The City of London Corporation with introductory video from Catherine McGuinness 9am - 10.30am Breakout roundtables: Three choices of topics lasting 30 minutes each Theme: Economic recovery: Building an economy for the future 1. Lucy Powell – Industrial policy after Covid 2. Bridget Phillipson, James Murray – The future of business economic support 3. Ed Miliband, Matt Pennycook – Green economic recovery 4. Pat McFadden, Abena Oppong-Asare – What kind of recovery? 5. Emily Thornberry, Bill Esterson – Boosting British business overseas 6. Kate Green, Toby Perkins – Building skills for a post Covid economy 10:30 - 11.00am Break 11.00 - 12.00pm Panel discussion An Inclusive Economic Recovery panel, with Anneliese Dodds Chair: Claire Bennison, Head of ACCA UK Anneliese Dodds, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director of the Women’s Budget Group Miatta Fahnbulleh, Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation Rachel Bleetman, ACCA Policy and Research Manager Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Economist, CBI Supported by ACCA 14245_21 Reproduced from electronic media, promoted by David Evans, General Secretary, the Labour Party,
    [Show full text]
  • FDN-274688 Disclosure
    FDN-274688 Disclosure MP Total Adam Afriyie 5 Adam Holloway 4 Adrian Bailey 7 Alan Campbell 3 Alan Duncan 2 Alan Haselhurst 5 Alan Johnson 5 Alan Meale 2 Alan Whitehead 1 Alasdair McDonnell 1 Albert Owen 5 Alberto Costa 7 Alec Shelbrooke 3 Alex Chalk 6 Alex Cunningham 1 Alex Salmond 2 Alison McGovern 2 Alison Thewliss 1 Alistair Burt 6 Alistair Carmichael 1 Alok Sharma 4 Alun Cairns 3 Amanda Solloway 1 Amber Rudd 10 Andrea Jenkyns 9 Andrea Leadsom 3 Andrew Bingham 6 Andrew Bridgen 1 Andrew Griffiths 4 Andrew Gwynne 2 Andrew Jones 1 Andrew Mitchell 9 Andrew Murrison 4 Andrew Percy 4 Andrew Rosindell 4 Andrew Selous 10 Andrew Smith 5 Andrew Stephenson 4 Andrew Turner 3 Andrew Tyrie 8 Andy Burnham 1 Andy McDonald 2 Andy Slaughter 8 FDN-274688 Disclosure Angela Crawley 3 Angela Eagle 3 Angela Rayner 7 Angela Smith 3 Angela Watkinson 1 Angus MacNeil 1 Ann Clwyd 3 Ann Coffey 5 Anna Soubry 1 Anna Turley 6 Anne Main 4 Anne McLaughlin 3 Anne Milton 4 Anne-Marie Morris 1 Anne-Marie Trevelyan 3 Antoinette Sandbach 1 Barry Gardiner 9 Barry Sheerman 3 Ben Bradshaw 6 Ben Gummer 3 Ben Howlett 2 Ben Wallace 8 Bernard Jenkin 45 Bill Wiggin 4 Bob Blackman 3 Bob Stewart 4 Boris Johnson 5 Brandon Lewis 1 Brendan O'Hara 5 Bridget Phillipson 2 Byron Davies 1 Callum McCaig 6 Calum Kerr 3 Carol Monaghan 6 Caroline Ansell 4 Caroline Dinenage 4 Caroline Flint 2 Caroline Johnson 4 Caroline Lucas 7 Caroline Nokes 2 Caroline Spelman 3 Carolyn Harris 3 Cat Smith 4 Catherine McKinnell 1 FDN-274688 Disclosure Catherine West 7 Charles Walker 8 Charlie Elphicke 7 Charlotte
    [Show full text]
  • Party Donors, Peerages and the Constitution in This Issue
    | THE CONSTITUTION UNIT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 33 | MAY 2006 | MONITOR PARTY DONORS, PEERAGES AND THE CONSTITUTION IN THIS ISSUE Much British constitutional debate in recent agreement, with polls showing that the public months has centred on the row over ‘cash don’t favour state funding, whilst overseas PARLIAMENT 2 for peerages’, which has reignited interest experience demonstrates that it does not end in Lords reform and the funding of funding scandals. Some forms of state support political parties. could also weaken links between parties and their POWER REPORT 2 members and supporters. The Conservatives The row began when a list of proposed Lords hope to use the debate to limit trade union appointees was leaked to the press in November. funding for Labour, and all the major parties would Rumours suggested that the House of Lords be concerned about a funding scheme which BROWN, CAMERON AND 3 Appointments Commission – responsible for channelled state funding to UKIP and the BNP. CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM vetting the propriety of party nominees, as well as choosing independent members – was Ironically the episode illustrated how reform concerned about some of these names. Following to date has failed to boost faith in political PREROGATIVE POWERS 3 four months of silence one nominee, Dr Chai institutions. The Appointments Commission acted UNDER SCRUTINY Patel, took the unusual step of demanding to block certain nominees, yet appointments publicly to know what objections there were to his have fallen into greater disrepute. New party nomination. It was known that some nominees funding rules greatly tightened up the disclosure were major party donors.
    [Show full text]
  • Lean Democracy and the Leadership Vacuum 45 Charles Leadbeater and Geoff Mulgan
    Demos Demos is an independent think-tank set up to improve the breadth and quality of political and policy debate. It encourages radical thinking and solutions to the long-term problems facing the UK and other advanced industrial societies. It brings together thinkers and doers. Demos is a registered charity. It is financed by voluntary donations from individuals, foundations and compa- nies. The views expressed in publications are those of the authors alone. They do not represent Demos’ institutional viewpoint. Demos has received invaluable support from a wide range of organisations including: Northern Foods, Cable & Wireless plc, Pearson, Scottish and Newcastle, National Westminster Bank plc, British Gas, Shell International, Story Hayward, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, the Rowntree Reform Trust, the Inland Revenue Staff Federation, Etam, Heidrick and Struggles, the Charities Aid Foundation, the Corporation of London, and the Economic and Social Research Council. Demos’ Advisory Council includes: John Ashworth, Director of the London School of Economics Clive Brooke, General Secretary, Inland Revenue Staff Federation Janet Cohen, Director, Charterhouse Bank Jack Dromey, National Officer TGWU Sir Douglas Hague, Templeton College Jan Hall, former chair of Coley Porter Bell Stuart Hall, Professor of Sociology, Open University Chris Ham, Professor of Health Policy, Birmingham University Charles Handy, author and broadcaster Ian Hargreaves, Deputy Editor, Financial Times Christopher Haskins, Chairman
    [Show full text]
  • UK's WITHDRAWAL from the EU the Prime Minister
    UK’S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE EU The Prime Minister That this House notes the Prime Minister’s statement on Leaving the European Union of 26 February 2019; and further notes that discussions between the UK and the EU are ongoing. Amendment (a) Jeremy Corbyn Keir Starmer Emily Thornberry John McDonnell Valerie Vaz Mr Nicholas Brown Mr Ben BradshawRuth George Line 1, leave out from “House” to end and add “instructs Ministers (a) to negotiate with the EU for changes to the Political Declaration to secure: i. a permanent and comprehensive customs union with the EU; ii. close alignment with the single market underpinned by shared institutions and obligations; iii. dynamic alignment on rights and protections; iv. commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, including in areas such as the environment, education, and industrial regulation; and v. unambiguous agreement on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases; and (b) to introduce primary legislation to give statutory effect to this negotiating mandate.”. As an Amendment to Jeremy Corbyn’s proposed Amendment (a): Sir Vince Cable Tom Brake Jo Swinson Mr Alistair Carmichael Sir Edward Davey Norman Lamb Christine JardineJamie StoneWera HobhouseTim FarronLayla Moran Line 2, leave out from “for” to end and add ”an extension of the period of two years specified in Article 50(3) of the Treaty on European Union for the purposes of a referendum on whether to exit the European Union under the terms of the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement or stay in membership of the European Union.”.
    [Show full text]
  • English Folk Traditions and Changing Perceptions About Black People in England
    Trish Bater 080207052 ‘Blacking Up’: English Folk Traditions and Changing Perceptions about Black People in England Submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy by Patricia Bater National Centre for English Cultural Tradition March 2013 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain View, California, 94041, USA. Trish Bater 080207052 2 Abstract This thesis investigates the custom of white people blacking their faces and its continuation at a time when society is increasingly aware of accusations of racism. To provide a context, an overview of the long history of black people in England is offered, and issues about black stereotypes, including how ‘blackness’ has been perceived and represented, are considered. The historical use of blackface in England in various situations, including entertainment, social disorder, and tradition, is described in some detail. It is found that nowadays the practice has largely been rejected, but continues in folk activities, notably in some dance styles and in the performance of traditional (folk) drama. Research conducted through participant observation, interview, case study, and examination of web-based resources, drawing on my long familiarity with the folk world, found that participants overwhelmingly believe that blackface is a part of the tradition they are following and is connected to its past use as a disguise. However, although all are aware of the sensitivity of the subject, some performers are fiercely defensive of blackface, while others now question its application and amend their ‘disguise’ in different ways.
    [Show full text]
  • Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP Secretary of State for the Home Department By
    HOUSE OF COMMONS Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP Secretary of State for the Home Department By email April 2019 Dear Home Secretary We write as members representing our Muslim constituents to urge the early release of the very welcome additional funding you have announced for security at places of worship. You will recall the matter was raised in Home Office questions on Monday 1 April. Following the appalling attack in Christchurch last month, we have been speaking to our local mosques, and they are understandably extremely concerned about security, particularly with the approach of the Holy Month of Ramadan, when the community will be highly visible. Many of our constituents will be attending late- night prayers during this month, and feel especially vulnerable when out late in the evening. While the new funding will make a difference, it is therefore imperative that it is released as a matter of urgency, and that application processes are kept as simple and clear as possible, in order that measures can be taken to improve security in good time before Ramadan. We would very much appreciate an early opportunity to meet you to discuss how this could best be facilitated, and look forward to hearing from you in the very near future. Yours sincerely Kate Green MP Rt Hon Anna Soubry MP, Chair, APPG on British Muslims Wes Streeting MP, Co-chair, APPG on British Muslims Naz Shah MP, Vice-chair, APPG on British Muslims Debbie Abrahams MP Rt Hon Dame Margaret Hodge MP Rushanara Ali MP Kate Hollern MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP Eddie Hughes MP Jonathan Ashworth MP Dr Rupa Huq MP Ian Austin MP Imran Hussain MP Rt.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cold Man of Europe – 2015
    COLD MAN OF EUROPE 2015 UPDATE October 2015 Westgate House 2a Prebend Street London N1 8PT 020 7359 8000 [email protected] The Cold Man of Europe – 2015 How the UK’s housing performs against comparable European countries in terms of fuel poverty and energy efficiency. Written by Pedro Guertler, Jack Carrington and Antonia Jansz Summary This briefing compares the state of the UK housing stock and fuel poverty levels with 15 other European countries. It concludes that no other country of the 16 assessed performed as poorly overall as the UK across the range of indicators. The UK has among the highest rates of fuel poverty and one of the most energy inefficient housing stocks in Europe. Despite the fact that it has amongst the lowest energy prices, the UK ranks very poorly in terms of the affordability of space heating and fuel poverty, ranking 14th out of 16 on both indicators. It is the poor state of our housing stock that is the main cause of these problems. In terms of households reporting that their home is in a poor state of repair, the UK ranks 12th out of 16. In terms of energy efficiency, out of 11 countries for which data is available, the UK’s walls are ranked 7th, roofs are ranked 8th, floors are ranked 10th and windows are ranked 11th. The key results are shown in Table 1 below. The latest official European data are used for this briefing, and the UK’s performance compared to a previous assessment two years ago1. 1 http://www.ukace.org/2013/03/fact-file-the-cold-man-of-europe/ Association for the Conservation of Energy | briefing
    [Show full text]
  • NEC Annual Report 2019
    Labour Party | Annual Report 2019 LABOUR PARTY ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Treasurers’ Responsibilities . 54 Foreword from Jeremy Corbyn . 5 Independent Auditor’s Report Introduction from Tom Watson . 7 to the members of the Labour Party . 55 Introduction from the General Secretary . 9 Consolidated income and expenditure account 2018/2019 National Executive Committee . 10 for the year ended 31 December 2018 . 57 NEC Committees . 12 Statements of comprehensive income Obituaries . 13 and changes in equity for the year ended NEC aims and objectives for 2019 . 14 31 December 2018 . 58 Consolidated balance sheet BY-ELECTIONS . 15 at 31 December 2018 . 59 Peterborough . 16 Consolidated cash flow statement for the year Newport West . 17 ended 31 December 2018 . 60 ELECTIONS 2019 . 19 Notes to Financial Statements . 61 Analysis . 20 APPENDICES . 75 Local Government Report . 23 Members of Shadow Cabinet LOOKING AHEAD: 2020 ELECTIONS . 25 and Opposition Frontbench . 76 The year ahead in Scotland . 26 Parliamentary Labour Party . 80 The year ahead in Wales . 27 Members of the Scottish Parliament. 87 NEC PRIORITIES FOR 2019 . 29 Members of the Welsh Assembly . 88 Members and Supporters Members of the European Parliament . 89 Renewing our party and building an active Directly Elected Mayors . 90 membership and supporters network . 30 Members of the London Assembly . 91 Equalities . 31 Leaders of Labour Groups . 92 Labour Peers . 100 NEC PRIORITIES FOR 2019 . 35 Labour Police and Crime Commissioners . 103 National Policy Forum Parliamentary Candidates endorsed NPF Report . 36 by the NEC at time of publication . 104 NEC PRIORITIES FOR 2019 . 39 NEC Disputes . 107 International NCC Cases .
    [Show full text]
  • Harriet Harman
    Harriet Harman The Labour politician and veteran campaigner for women’s rights interviewed by Roy McCloughry at Portcullis House 6 February 2017 2 Harriet Harman | High Profiles | 6 February 2017 The Fair Agenda Harriet Harman has spent 35 years fighting for justice for women in the House of Commons – mostly on its front benches. ‘Like her or loathe her,’ the Daily Telegraph observed recently, ‘she’s tough as old boots.’ Roy McCloughry took a shine to her in her office in Portcullis House. PHOTOGRAPHY: GEOFF CRAWFORD You were the third of four girls in quite a posh family. What values were instilled in you in your childhood that are still important to you? If I’d have thought that my parents were trying to instil anything in me, I would have been like: OK, that is exactly what I’m going to do the opposite of! We weren’t obedient young girls wanting to do what our parents told us, we were going to kick over the traces and do everything different. But I can’t help noticing, as I look back, that, despite my youthful rebelliousness, some of the things that clearly they were very concerned about have absolutely stuck – particularly being self-reliant and not depending on other people. For young women, that was a revolutionary message, really, because the aspiration at that time was to get yourself a husband so that you could rely on him. 3 Harriet Harman | High Profiles | 6 February 2017 Your mother had been a lawyer but gave it up when she got married, didn’t she? Yes, because in those days if your husband could support you it was inconceivable that you would go out to work, because your job would be to be the housewife and look after the children.
    [Show full text]
  • North East History Volume 42 2011 East
    north east history north north east history volume 42 2011 east N history orth Volume 42 2011 Resistance against the cuts E 1934-5 ast H istory 42 2011 Ray Challinor: historian and political activist Ray Challinor in full flow The Meadowell Riots 1991 Horace Green: trade unionist and Communist The north east labour history society holds regular meetings on a wide variety of subjects. The society welcomes new Life in the shipyards and on the railways members.We have an increasingly busy web-site at www.nelh.org Supporters are welcome to contribute to The birth of Easington colliery discussions Volume journal of the north east labour history society 42 http://nelh.org/ 2011 journal of the north east labour history society north east history north east history Volume 42 2011 NORTHUMBERLAND ISSN 14743248 © 2011 Printed by Azure Printing Units 1 F & G TYNE & Pegswood Industrial Estate WEAR Pegswood Morpeth Northumberland NE61 6HZ Tel: 01670 510271 DURHAM TEESSIDE journal of the north east labour history society www.nelh.net north east history north east history Editorial 4 Books reviewed Alastair Campbell & Richard Stott, The Blair Years – Extracts from the Note on Contributors. 7 Alastair Campbell Diaries. Hutchinson, 2007. (Archie Potts) John Prescott with Hunter Davies, Prezza – My story pulling no punches. Ray Challinor: Historian and Political Activist John Charlton 8 Headline Review/Hachette UK 2008. (Archie Potts) Peter Mandelson, The Third Man. Harper Press, 2010. (Archie Potts) Ray Challinor and North East History Don Watson 19 Tony Blair, A Journey, Hutchinson, 2010. (Archie Potts) Gordon Brown, Beyond the Crash: Overcoming the first crisis of Meadowell riots of 1991 David Reed 24 globalisation.
    [Show full text]