George Hicks (trade unionist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Hicks
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George Hicks in 1927 by Lafayette
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| Member of Parliament for Woolwich East |
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| In office 15 April 1931 – 3 February 1950 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Snell |
| Succeeded by | Ernest Bevin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 May 1879 Vernhams Dean, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 19 July 1954 (aged 75) |
Ernest George Hicks (born May 13, 1879 – died July 19, 1954) was an important British leader for workers' rights and a politician. He spent his life working to improve conditions for people, especially those in the building trades. He was a key figure in trade unions and later became a Member of Parliament.
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A Champion for Workers
George Hicks was born in 1879 in a place called Vernhams Dean in Hampshire, England. He started his career as a bricklayer. This job helped him understand the challenges faced by working people.
Early Union Involvement
Hicks became interested in helping workers get fair treatment. He was one of the first members of the Socialist Party of Great Britain in 1904. While he didn't stay with the party for long, he soon became a very important leader in unions for bricklayers.
Leading the Way in Unions
George Hicks became well-known during a time of big worker protests just before the First World War. This period was called the "great labour unrest." He was especially active during a major lockout in the London building trades in 1914. A lockout is when employers prevent workers from coming to work during a dispute.
In 1912, he became a national organizer for the Operative Bricklayers' Society. This union represented bricklayers. He then served as its General Secretary from 1919 to 1921.
A Strong Voice for Building Workers
After that, he became the General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Building Trade Workers. This was a larger union for many different building workers. He held this important role from 1921 to 1941.
Hicks was also a member of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) for many years. The TUC is a big organization that represents many different trade unions in the UK. He was even the TUC President in 1927–28.
The 1926 General Strike
During the 1920s, George Hicks gained a reputation as a strong voice for workers. He helped organize the UK General Strike of 1926. This was a huge strike where many workers across different industries stopped working to protest against poor conditions and low pay.
From Union Leader to Politician
George Hicks was not just a union leader; he also entered politics to fight for workers' rights in government.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1931, George Hicks was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Woolwich East for the Labour Party. He served as an MP for many years, until 1950.
Serving in Government
During the Second World War, Hicks took on an important role in the government. From 1941 to 1945, he was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Works. This meant he helped manage building projects and resources during the war.
George Hicks passed away in 1954 at the age of 75. He is remembered for his dedication to improving the lives of working people in Britain.
