London Dock Strike (1889)

The London Dock Strike is widely regarded as a major milestone in the development of the trade union movement, marking the transition from a movement restricted to skilled workers and their New Model Unions to one which embraced 'unskilled' and casual workers such as dockers, seamen and general labourers. Prior to the strike, few dockers were organised, but once it began, the Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Labourers' Union recruited a substantial section of the London docks workforce. The principal demand of the agitation was for the 'dockers tanner' - a rate of 6d an hour. The strike was noted for large, peaceful processions which impressed middle-class opinion and won sympathy for the strikers' cause from figures such as Cardinal Manning. Notable organisers who came to prominence during the strike include Ben Tillett, John Burns, Tom Mann and the seamen's leader Havelock Wilson.

Related Topics:
New Model Union - Seamen - Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Labourers' Union - Cardinal Manning - Ben Tillett - John Burns - Tom Mann - Havelock Wilson

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