Preface

As a Dutch student of the British industrial relations system and its history, my attention used to be directed to the similarities and differences between this system and the Dutch one, One of the phenomena, that drew my attention was that three unions – i.c. the Miners’ Pederation of Great Britain (MFGB), the National Transport Workers’ Federation (NTWF) and the National Union of Railwaymen (NUR) - which were affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Labour Party, decided to form a new organisation to perform certain tasks: the Triple Industrial Alliance. The mere fact that such a step was considered necessary already raised certain questions, for instance about the effectiveness of the central bodies of the British Labour movement. More questions emerged from the potentialities of such an organization. Considering the industries involved, such an organisation might develop a strength, which might press government and employers in a certain direction, however, which direction, by what strategy and with what kind of organisation?

The Dutch trade union movement never had an organisation like this. It is not difficult to see why. Dutch trade unions were and are still affiliated either to a socialist, or a catholic, or a protestant trade union confederation, according the further goal they wanted and want to achieve, Matters concerning that further goal are matters of the confederation, and of a related political party. After deliberations in meetings of the confederation the unions decide what course of action the confederation will take upon these matters. Their differences of opinions concern more the speed of the convoy - to which they belong - than its direction. Unions that want to go faster, will, however, never consider the break-up of the convoy, because that will weaken their strength, and will so delay the eventual arrival in the desired harbour.

The Triple Industrial Alliance, however, is not only interesting from a Dutch perspective. Certain aspects seem to be of a continuing relevance as well, The position of unions vis-à-vis the State, for instance the union organisation and its methods in relation to its industrial and political objectives, the need for solidarity between unions in conflict situations, especially with the State; the relationship between the rank-and-file and the union leaders, Additionally, the wider issue of TUC authority and power vis-à-vis the autonomy of the individual affiliated unions. One may view , for instance, a certain similarity between the confrontation between the Triple Alliance and the Government in 1919-1921, and the confrontation between the public sector unions and the Government in 1971-1972, when the Tory Government attempted to isolate and 'pick off’ individual unions. It was suggested then, that in response public sector pay claims should be co—ordinated in timing, a common policy should be adopted on certain bargaining issues and the idea of one claim for all public sector workers directed at the Government, not the employing authority, was aired. Despite the return of a Labour Government, and the subsequent improvement of the relations between Government-and trade union movement, public sector unions like NALGO and NUPB, and education unions, co-oporate in their opposition to the cuts in government’ s expenditure.

Without the assistance of many people this theses might never have been written. I am very grateful to them all, especially to the library staff of Congress House and the staff of Unity House, who enabled me to study certain primary sources on the Triple Alliance.

AM3TERDAM/LONDON   August 1976