Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1920-1965 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
3 boxes
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The National Union of Agricultural Workers was the first successful national body for farm workers, presided over by Joseph Arch. It began as the National Agricultural Labourers' Union in 1872 before changing to the National Union of Agricultural Workers in July 1906. In 1910 they changed their name to the "National Agricultural Labourers and Rural Workers Union" and once again in 1920 to the National Union of Agricultural Worker (NUAW). This name then remained until they were amalgamated with the Transport & General Workers Union (TGWU) in 1982. NUAW membership was largely made up of farm agricultural labourers but also catered for non-farm workers such as those in forestry, market gardening, gardeners, etc. The union's stronghold was in Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Dorset with over 90% of agricultural labourers being in membership. In 1910 major strikes and disputes broke out in the Norfolk villages of Trunch, Knapton and St Faith's. At St Faith's, the 105 union men were on strike from May 1910 until February 1911 for 1 shilling a week extra. The union had its own journal called 'The Landworker'. The TGWU then became part of UNITE in 2007 after its merger with Amicus.
York and District Trade Council
Repository
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Minute books and correspondence mostly concerning agricultural wages and holidays and includes some press cuttings. Also includes an accounts book (1920-1946).
PLEASE REQUEST THESE ITEMS ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE - HELD IN OFFSITE STORAGE
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open
Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.
Conditions governing reproduction
Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.
Language of material
- English