Tom Eccles facts for kids
Tom Eccles (born October 5, 1893 – died February 3, 1962) was a British trade unionist. This means he was a leader who worked to improve conditions and pay for workers. He helped many people get fair treatment in their jobs.
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Tom Eccles: A Champion for Workers
Early Life and Joining the Union
Tom Eccles was born in Blackburn in 1893. When he was 19, in 1912, he joined the National Union of General Workers. His father, Fleming Eccles, was already an important member of this union.
Serving His Country
Tom fought in World War I. During the war, he was seriously injured. He also spent a long time as a prisoner of war.
Helping Workers After the War
After returning to the UK, Tom became very active in his union again. His union later became part of the National Union of General and Municipal Workers (NUGMW). He worked as a local organiser and then became the secretary for the Lancashire area.
Tom was also involved in politics with the Labour Party. He served on the council for Stockport Borough, helping to make decisions for the local community.
A Skilled Negotiator
Within the union, Tom Eccles was known for being very good at negotiations. This means he was skilled at talking to employers and reaching agreements that helped workers. He was part of many national groups that discussed pay and working conditions.
He also represented the NUGMW in other important groups. These included the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions and the National Federation of Building Trades Operatives.
A Leader in the TUC
From 1949 to 1959, Tom was a member of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). The TUC is a very large organisation that represents many different workers' unions across the UK. In 1955, the TUC chose him to represent them at the American Federation of Labour in the USA.
He also served on the TUC's North West Advisory Committee until 1958. He left this committee because he disagreed with their decision not to support his boycott of a regional board.
A Family Legacy
Tom Eccles' son, Jack, followed in his father's footsteps. Jack also became a well-known trade unionist and a Labour councillor, continuing the family's work in helping people.
