Ben Tillett facts for kids
Benjamin Tillett (born September 11, 1860 – died January 27, 1943) was an important British leader. He was a socialist, a leader of workers' unions, and a politician. He helped create a new type of unionism in 1889. This new movement focused on organizing workers who didn't have special skills.
Tillett played a big part in starting the Dockers Union. He was also a key leader during major dock strikes in 1911 and 1912. He strongly supported Britain's efforts in the First World War. Later, another leader named Ernest Bevin took over when many unions joined to form the Transport and General Workers' Union in 1922. Tillett was given a less important role then. Experts say he was very dedicated to helping workers. However, they also noted he wasn't always the best at managing things.
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Early Life and Work
Ben Tillett was born in Bristol, England. He started working at a young age. When he was eight, he worked in a brickyard. For two years, he was a "Risley boy," which was a type of circus performer.
At 12, he worked on a fishing boat for six months. After that, he learned to be a bootmaker. He then joined the Royal Navy. He had to leave the navy because of health issues. He then worked on several merchant ships. Eventually, Tillett settled in the London Docks and became a docker, loading and unloading ships.
Fighting for Workers' Rights
Tillett began his work as a union organizer in 1887. He formed the Tea Operatives and General Labourers Union at Tilbury Docks. His union, later called the Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Labourers' Union, became very well known during the London dock strike of 1889. This strike actually started without the union's help, but Tillett quickly became a key figure.
He also led important dock strikes in 1911 and 1912. In 1910, he helped create the National Transport Workers' Federation. He worked with Havelock Wilson from the Seamen's Union on this.
Tillett's union was the largest one that joined together in 1922. They formed the Transport and General Workers' Union. However, it was Tillett's assistant, Ernest Bevin, who did most of the work to bring the unions together. Bevin became the main leader of the new union. Tillett still held an important job as the International and Political Secretary until 1931. He also stayed on the main council of the Trades Union Congress until 1932.
A Voice in Politics
Tillett was a member of the Fabian Society. He also helped start the Independent Labour Party. Later, he joined the Social Democratic Federation. In the 1880s, he was part of the Bristol Socialist Society.
He started his political career as an alderman in the London County Council from 1892 to 1898. An alderman is like a local council member. He later became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Salford North. He was an MP from 1917 to 1924, and again from 1929 to 1931.
Before becoming an MP in 1917, he tried to get elected four times but didn't win. He often had different ideas from the main Labour Party. He felt they were too moderate.
Tillett also caused some debate because he strongly supported Britain fighting in the First World War. This was a big issue that divided the Labour Party. Before the war, Tillett had supported the idea of a worldwide strike if war broke out. But like most union leaders, he decided in 1914 to support Britain's war goals. In a pamphlet he wrote in 1917, he said, "Despite our former pacifist attitude, the forces of Labour in England have supported the government throughout the war. We realised that this is a fight for world freedom."
Later Life
Ben Tillett passed away on January 27, 1943. He was 82 years old.
His Writings
- A Brief History of the Dockers' Union, about the 1889 dockers' strike (1910)
- A History of the London Transport Workers' Strike (1911)
- Some Russian Impressions (1925)
- Memories and Reflections, his autobiography (1931)
