Unionism Collection

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), poster No pasaran (They shall not pass), published by the CNT

Dennis Skinner, Labour MP for Bolsover, Derbyshire
Dennis Edward Skinner (b 1932), Labour politician, MP for Bolsover since 1970. Well known for his outspoken remarks in parliament, for which he has been suspended more than ten times

George Woodcock, TUC General Secretary
George Woodcock (1904-1979), British trade unionist and TUC General Secretary from 1960 to 1969. Date: 1963

Trade Unionism: Demonstration in Copenhagen Fields, London 21 April 1834 in protest against the deportation of
537190 Trade Unionism: Demonstration in Copenhagen Fields, London 21 April 1834 in protest against the deportation of the Tolpuddle Martyrs

A religious book belonging to John, brother of James Hammett
3119352 A religious book belonging to John, brother of James Hammett; (add.info.: A religious book belonging to John Hammett, brother of James Hammett, a member of the Tolpuddle Martyrs)

The Tolpuddle Martyrs
3119343 The Tolpuddle Martyrs; (add.info.: Illustration of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of 19th Century Dorset agricultural labourers who were arrested for)

Pierre Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865) trade union French socialist and political theorist, photo by Mouret
1711360 Pierre Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865) trade union French socialist and political theorist, photo by Mouret; (add.info)

TGWU Union leader Barney Ward, pictures at Middlesbrough Dock, 11th May 1971

Former Transport and General Workers Union district secretary Mr Barney Ward has been presented with the unions highest honour, a gold medal, from the general executive council

Ben Rubner, General Secretary of the FTAT union
Ben Rubner (1921-1998), General Secretary of the Furniture, Timber and Allied Trades Union (FTAT) from 1976 to 1986. He also campaigned against the Vietnam War

Scargill Arthur Speaking Speech Rhetoric Left
scargill, arthur, speaking, speech, rhetoric, left, wing, politics, political, trade, trades, union, unionist, unionism, activist, activism, 1938, leader, conference, 1970s, empty, chairs, seats

Scargill Arthur Sitting Audience Conference 1938
scargill, arthur, sitting, audience, conference, 1938, leader, trade, trades, union, unionist, unionism, tuc, miners, num, 1970s, suit, tie, smart, political, man, reading, morning, star, newspaper

Arthur Scargill, miners leader and trade unionist
Arthur Scargill (b 1938), miners leader and trade unionist. Seen here sitting in a deckchair at a seaside resort, probably during a conference. Date: circa 1980s

Hugh Scanlon, British trade union leader
Hugh Parr Scanlon, Baron Scanlon (1913-2004), British trade union leader. Seen here giving a speech at a conference. Barbara Castle can be seen in the background on the left. Date: circa 1970s

Ron Todd, General Secretary of the TGWU
Ron (Ronald) Todd (1927-2005), General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) from 1985 to 1992. Seen here (left) with a colleague at a conference

Emanuel Shinwell, trade unionist and Labour politician
Emanuel (Manny) Shinwell, Baron Shinwell (1884-1986), British trade union official and Labour politician, MP and government minister. Date: circa 1940s

Keith Vaz and Bill Morris at a meeting
Keith Vaz (Nigel Keith Anthony Standish Vaz, b 1956), British Labour Party politician (left) and Bill Morris (William Manuel Morris, Baron Morris of Handsworth, b 1938), leader of the TGWU

Sidney Weighell, British footballer and trade unionist
Sidney Weighell (1922-2002), British footballer, trade unionist and General Secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen from 1975 to 1983. Seen here speaking at a conference. Date: circa 1980s

Tom Mann, trade unionist and public speaker
Head and shoulders portrait photograph of Tom Mann (1856-1941), British trade unionist and popular public speaker. This photograph was presented to Nellie Rathbone. Date: early 20th century

CGT, the French Trade Union, Cover of French Satirical Magazine L'Assiette au Beurre, 12th August 1911
1730197 CGT, the French Trade Union, Cover of French Satirical Magazine L'Assiette au Beurre, 12th August 1911 by Andrisek (fl.1911) ; (add.info)

The washing room below decks - condemned trade unionists being transported to Australia
STC217020 The washing room below decks - condemned trade unionists being transported to Australia, illustrated in The Martyrs of Tolpuddle, published by Trades Union Congress

Solidarity campaign: barbed wire hammer & sickle
Polish Solidarity Campaign pamphlet cover illustration: Solidarity underground : free trade unionism in Poland today by Magda Zalewska, Henryk Gawinski, John Taylor, 1983 Date: 1983

Title page of Union Ouvriere by Flora Tristan (1803-44), published in
CHT163817 Title page of Union Ouvriere by Flora Tristan (1803-44), published in, 1844 (b/w photo) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque Marguerite Durand, Paris

Baron FitzGibbon, 1789 (oil on canvas)
491035 Baron FitzGibbon, 1789 (oil on canvas) by Stuart, Gilbert (1755-1828); 245x154 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: John FitzGibbon)

Convention Hall, Belfast, built for the Ulster Unionist Convention of 1892
6014112 Convention Hall, Belfast, built for the Ulster Unionist Convention of 1892, held to demonstrate the opposition of Ulster Unionists to Irish Home Rule (litho) by English School

Robert Owen, 1834 (oil on canvas)
3740340 Robert Owen, 1834 (oil on canvas) by Brooke, William Henry (1772-1860); 27.3x21.6 cm; National Portrait Gallery, London, UK; (add.info.: Robert Owen (1771-1858) Welsh social reformer

TGWU Union leader Barney Ward leaves Transport House for the last time. 20th October 1983

Buenaventura Durruti (1896-1936), Spanish anarchist leader, reproduction of a photograph

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), poster Campesinos, la tierra es nuestra (Farmers, land is ours) by Siwe, published by the POUM in 1936

Poster advertising the urban public services, published by CNT and FAI during the years of the Second Republic

Trade Unionism: Demonstration in Copenhagen Fields, London 21 April 1834 in protest against the deportation of the Tolpuddle Martyrs

Unionism or the National Guard?. Illustration shows a laborer standing at center holding a rifle labeled Law and Order and a National Guard uniform labeled Patriotism which he is offering to Uncle

The microbe of unionism. Illustration shows a vignette cartoon with a Labor Agitator sitting in the center with strings attached to marionettes or puppets from all walks of life

Unionism. Illustration shows a clerk in an office telling his employer that he needs a raise because he is getting married; the crotchety, old employer, punning on the word union

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"Unionism: A Powerful Force for Social Justice and Workers' Rights" Throughout history, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today. From the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) to influential figures like George Woodcock, Ben Rubner, Arthur Scargill, Hugh Scanlon, Ron Todd, Emanuel Shinwell, Dennis Skinner, Keith Vaz, Bill Morris, and Sidney Weighell - trade unionists have fought tirelessly for fair treatment and better working conditions. In the midst of chaos during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), a powerful poster emerged with an unwavering message: "No pasaran" or "They shall not pass. " This symbolized unity among workers against fascism and oppression. The CNT's publication of this iconic poster showcased their commitment to defending workers' rights even amidst turmoil. George Woodcock served as the General Secretary of TUC (Trades Union Congress), advocating for workers across various industries. His leadership paved the way for improved labor laws and collective bargaining agreements that protected employees from exploitation. Ben Rubner's tenure as General Secretary of FTAT union marked a significant milestone in advancing worker solidarity. By championing equitable wages and safe working conditions within his organization, he set an example for others to follow. Arthur Scargill was not only known for his captivating speeches but also his tireless efforts as a miners leader and trade unionist. His rhetoric on social justice resonated deeply with audiences nationwide during conferences such as the one held in 1938 where he passionately addressed pressing issues faced by miners. Hugh Scanlon's legacy as a British trade union leader is characterized by his dedication to improving workers' lives through collective action. He spearheaded campaigns that secured better pay scales and job security while ensuring employers respected their employees' rights. Ron Todd's tenure as General Secretary of TGWU (Transport & General Workers’ Union) marked a period of significant growth and influence for the union.