National Union of Textile Workers facts for kids
| Merged into | National Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1922 |
| Dissolved | 1936 |
| Headquarters | 84 Godwin Street, Bradford |
| Location |
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Members
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65,496 (1926) |
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Key people
|
Ben Turner (Gen Pres) Arthur Shaw (Gen Sec) |
The National Union of Textile Workers was a special group, called a trade union, for people working in the textile industry in England. Most of its members worked in the Yorkshire area. A trade union helps workers get fair pay, good working conditions, and a safe workplace.
Contents
Forming the Union: A New Beginning
This union started in 1922. It was created when three smaller unions joined together. These were the General Union of Textile Workers, the National Society of Dyers and Finishers, and the Yeadon, Guiseley and District Factory Workers' Union.
Growing Strong: Early Membership
After just one year, by the end of 1923, the union had over 52,000 members. This number grew even more, reaching nearly 65,500 members three years later in 1926. This showed how many textile workers wanted to be part of a union.
Facing Challenges: The Great Depression
However, the union faced tough times during the Great Depression. This was a period in the 1930s when many people lost their jobs. The textile industry was hit hard, and many union members lost their work. This caused the union's membership to drop.
Also, some smaller groups of workers had disagreements. In 1930, a small group called the Pattern Weavers' Society decided to leave the union.
Changes in Leadership: New Presidents
By 1933, the union's membership had fallen to about 36,000. Ben Turner, who had been a leader in the union for many years, stepped down as General President. After this, it was decided that future presidents would not be paid full-time for the role.
Joining Forces: A Bigger Union
For a long time, the National Union of Textile Workers was part of a larger group of unions. This group worked together to talk with employers about pay and working conditions. In 1936, the National Union of Textile Workers and two other unions voted to combine. They formed a new, larger union called the National Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers.
Union Leaders: Guiding the Way
The union had important leaders who helped guide its members and fight for their rights.
General Presidents
- 1922: Ben Turner
- 1933: Clement Naylor
- 1935: F. W. Sowerby
General Secretaries
- 1922: Arthur Shaw
