This textbook summarises the history of British trade unions between 1933 and 2000. The book discusses the key themes and controversies surrounding trade unions, including their economic impact and their influence on government. It gives students a lucid and up-to-date introduction to the recent history of British trade unionism.

Monograph on the historical development of trade unionism in the UK in the period from 1875 to 1933 - covers collective bargaining, implications for the socialist political party, the period of industrial unrest and labour dispute before the first world war, developments during the war, the general strike of 1926 and the turning-point of 1932-33. Bibliography pp. 65 to 71.

Account of communist political party activities within trade unions in the UK, with particular reference to the historical aspect of the national level minority movement during the period from 1924 to 1933 - covers the role of leadership and membership in the general strike, influence on government policy, political aspects, labour disputes, the struggle against capitalist ideologies, the impact of the economic recession on the movement and its collapse. References.