National Union of Seamen ballot rigging enquiry and other papers

This small collection contains records relating to an investigation by the National Union of Seamen into alleged ballot rigging and bribery by Thomas George Bishop. Includes a report of and the conclusions of the Special Committee set up to investigate the case.

The Seamen's Union was founded in 1887 and became the main trade union (as the National Union of Seamen) of merchant sailors in the UK until its merger with the National Union of Railwayman in 1990 to form the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

In its early years, the Union successfully fought several strikes and by 1889 had an approximate membership of 80,000. However, determined resistance from shipowners led to a decline in successful protests, membership and funds and, ultimately, to liquidation in 1893. Even when the Union was reborn as the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union (NSFU) in 1894. financial difficulties and low membership was still a concern. Although, after a successful strike in 1911, the Union's fortunes were significantly restored.

More problems began, however, when in 1921, and later in 1923 and 1925, the NSFU supported wage reductions imposed by the National Maritime Board. This was followed by further criticism owing to its apparent support of the Special Restriction (Coloured Alien Seamen) Order (1925) as well as its failure to observe the General Strike in 1926. This led, in September 1928, to the NSFU's expulsion from the Trades Union Congress.

The Union (renamed the National Union of Seamen in 1926) became reconciled to the trade union movement again after pursuing a more mainstream policy by 1929, although some criticism still remained. Its last two strikes were launched in 1966 and 1988, with the first aiming to secure higher wages and a reduced working week and the second concerning P&O ferries.

Access will be granted to any accredited reader

Papers of Charlie Hodgins given to Stan Suddaby and donated by Stan Suddaby's ex-wife, Susan King, after his death.

Records of the Transport and General Workers Union, Docks and Waterways [U DTG]

Other repositories:

National Union of Seamen, University of Warwick Library [MSS.175]

National Union of Seamen v The British Shipping Federation Ltd., National Archives [J 148/55]