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The Awkward Warrior: Frank Cousins: His Life & Times
Goodman, Geoffrey
616 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1984
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September 10, 2020
In the modern history of British and Irish trade unions some names readily come to mind the larger than life characters whose names were household names, mainly due to the constant attacks by the tabloid press on anyone with an idea that may threaten the status quo. Perhaps the most recent example of a public pillorying was the manner in which Arthur Scargill was treated. He had the audacity to stand -up against the destruction of his industry by Margaret Thatcher's Government. Of course 35 years later we all know that the use of all fossil fuels particularly coal does more harm than good. Thatcher was not concerned about the environment and Britain continued to use vast amounts of coal for decades.
In the late 1950's and 60's the TGWU was a growing union with eventually by 1980's over 1 million members and it used its industrial muscle to promote the aims and needs of its members, the working-class, irrespective of the attitude of the "ruling elite". This came about in a post war Britain where workers expectations were risen by the experiences of war and their determination not to sold out as had happened to the working class following the first world war.
Frank Cousins election as General Secretary of the growing TGWU signalled a move to the left for the union and he set about seeking to deliver for his members. So significant was he that he was invited to join the British Cabinet and of course he paved the way for his successor Jack Jones. Goodman has put together a fine biography of Cousins and his times and influence. Cousins we are told never went into a negotiation seeking conflict, he was however always mindful of the reason he was in the meeting and who's interests he represented. His members he said were like a big stick in the corner of the room. Sometimes he glanced over to it and occasionally he went and picked it up. This remains a relevant insight into modern trade unionism and well worth the read.
In the late 1950's and 60's the TGWU was a growing union with eventually by 1980's over 1 million members and it used its industrial muscle to promote the aims and needs of its members, the working-class, irrespective of the attitude of the "ruling elite". This came about in a post war Britain where workers expectations were risen by the experiences of war and their determination not to sold out as had happened to the working class following the first world war.
Frank Cousins election as General Secretary of the growing TGWU signalled a move to the left for the union and he set about seeking to deliver for his members. So significant was he that he was invited to join the British Cabinet and of course he paved the way for his successor Jack Jones. Goodman has put together a fine biography of Cousins and his times and influence. Cousins we are told never went into a negotiation seeking conflict, he was however always mindful of the reason he was in the meeting and who's interests he represented. His members he said were like a big stick in the corner of the room. Sometimes he glanced over to it and occasionally he went and picked it up. This remains a relevant insight into modern trade unionism and well worth the read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review