National Union of Textile Workers
Merged intoNational Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers
Founded1922
Dissolved1936
Headquarters84 Godwin Street, Bradford
Location
  • United Kingdom
Members
65,496 (1926)
Key people
Ben Turner (Gen Pres)
Arthur Shaw (Gen Sec)
AffiliationsTUC, Labour

The National Union of Textile Workers was a trade union representing workers in the textile industry in England, principally in Yorkshire.

History

The union was founded in 1922 when the General Union of Textile Workers merged with the National Society of Dyers and Finishers and the Yeadon, Guiseley and District Factory Workers' Union. By the end of 1923, it had 52,876 members, and this rose rapidly, reaching 65,496 three years later.[1] However, it was hit heavily by job losses during the Great Depression and disputes between different sections of workers, the small Pattern Weavers' Society splitting away in 1930.[2]

By 1933, membership of the union had fallen to only 36,000.[1] Ben Turner, who had been involved with the union and its predecessor for many years, resigned as General President, and it was agreed that future presidents would not work on a full-time salaried basis.[3]

For many years, the union was a member of the Federation of Unions in the Bleaching, Dyeing, Finishing, and Calico Printing Trades, working with the Amalgamated Society of Dyers, Bleachers and Kindred Trades, and the Operative Bleachers, Dyers and Finishers Association. The federation increasingly took the lead on negotiations with employers on pay and conditions. In 1936, the three unions voted to merge, forming the National Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers.[1][4]

Election results

The union sponsored a Labour Party candidate at each Parliamentary election, with Turner twice winning election.[5][6]

ElectionConstituencyCandidateVotesPercentagePosition
1923 general electionBatley and MorleyBen Turner14,96452.61
1924 general electionBatley and MorleyBen Turner15,96649.42
1929 general electionBatley and MorleyBen Turner23,62158.31
1931 general electionBatley and MorleyBen Turner16,70038.82
1935 general electionBradford EastWilfred Heywood7,32921.73

Officials

General Presidents

1922: Ben Turner
1933: Clement Naylor[3]
1935: F. W. Sowerby[7]

General Secretaries

1922: Arthur Shaw

References

  1. 1 2 3 Arthur Marsh, Victoria Ryan and John B. Smethurst, Historical Directory of Trade Unions, vol.5, p.410
  2. ↑ Arthur Marsh, Victoria Ryan and John B. Smethurst, Historical Directory of Trade Unions, vol.5, p.249
  3. 1 2 "Sir Ben Turner's resignation". Manchester Guardian. 29 May 1933.
  4. ↑ "Trade union merger: the final meetings". Manchester Guardian. 9 May 1936.
  5. ↑ Parker, James (2017). Trade unions and the political culture of the Labour Party, 1931-1940 (PDF). Exeter: University of Exeter. p. 125.
  6. ↑ Report of the Annual Conference of the Labour Party (Report). 1935. p. 274.
  7. ↑ "Textile Workers' Conference". Manchester Guardian. 27 May 1935.
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