HISTORY
The General Federation of Trade Unions was
established at a special Congress of the TUC held in 1899. The
principal objective was to set up a national organisation with
a strike fund which could be drawn upon by affiliated trade unions.
 A
dilemma which faced the TUC in the 1890s was that of achieving
a practical accommodation with the leaders of those affiliated
unions who saw it as an instrument for sweeping away capitalism
by direct action. Pressure to strengthen trade union organisation
centrally with this end in view was strong and schemes were put
forward for Congress itself, or for some special federation,
to take responsibility for working out a common policy on disputes
which would give unions sufficient confidence to pool their financial
resources in the workers' cause.
The GFTU, therefore, began life as the heir to
a function which the TUC did not want, and as the operator of a
system of strike support which appealed to the sense of solidarity
of trade unionists in a era of New Unionism, but which was considered
impracticable by some elements in their leadership.
GFTU Now - The Federation for Specialist
Unions
The GFTU is now geared to servicing the
needs of specialist unions. It has built up years of experience
of dealing with the needs of specialist unions. The total
membership of specialist Unions affiliated to the Federation as
at 31 December 2006 was 225,687. There are a total of 32 affiliated
unions.
 In
1930 the Federation moved to its current offices in Central House,
Upper Woburn Place, London. The GFTU occupies the new offices
on the Ground Floor and the other floors were rented out to tenants,
providing an income for the Federation. Interests and dividends
from a substantial portfolio of investments are also utilised
for the benefits of member Unions. In 2005 the building was sold
as part of a new financial strategy. The GFTU maintains offices
on the Ground Floor.
The Federation currently employs two research
officers and two education officers. Details of the work of the
Research Services and Education Department are listed separately
on this page.
Rules
The objects of the GFTU are as follows:-
(i) To promote the interests and improve the workings of all its
affiliated organisations.
(ii) To improve the conditions of employment of members of affiliated
organisations and to protect the interest of affiliated organisations
and their members.
(iii) To undertake all such acts as shall be considered to be beneficial
to the social and economic conditions of workers.
(iv) To encourage the organisation of all workers eligible for
membership of its affiliated organisations.
(v) To provide benefits for affiliated organisations as laid down
in the Rules and Constitution of the General Federation of Trade
Unions.
(vi) To provide all or any affiliated organisation with financial
or other assistance.
(vii) To provide and make financial provisions for educational
facilities and instruction in accordance with any schemes which
may from time to time be approved by the Governing Body.
(viii) To assist any affiliated organisation either financially
or otherwise in any legal proceeding or dispute or other matter
or in the provision of legal advice.
(ix) To inaugurate and maintain schemes for the provision of pensions
for Officers and Staff of the GFTU and for Officers and Staff of
all or any of its affiliated organisations.
 Policy
and Democracy
The Governing Body of the GFTU is the Biennial
General Council Meeting at which policy and rule changes are debated
by delegates from affiliated Unions. At the meeting an Executive
Committee comprising 15 members is elected to meet on a monthly
basis between Biennial General Council Meetings.
Education
The GFTU provides courses mainly, but not
exclusively, under the auspices of an Educational Trust. During
2006, 36 courses were held ranging from basic introductory to advanced
legal provisions. Most are held over weekends and venues are good
quality hotels with the Trust paying accommodation, meals and travelling
costs. In 2006 the Trust expended approximately £500,000 to provide
high quality courses for full-time officials, convenors, shop stewards,
safety representatives and pension trustees. Courses are provided
in partnership with Ruskin College.
In addition, courses are provided upon request
customised to the individual needs of affiliated Unions. Subjects
covered to date include check-off, health & safety, maternity
rights and the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act.
These courses are highly focused upon the particular requirements
of the affiliate concerned at the most convenient location and
time and are provided in partnership with Northern College.
Research
A wide variety of Research work is conducted
for the affiliated Unions ranging from company searches and analysis
to detailed long term studies on matters of importance to affiliates.
The Federation has a library and subscribes to a range of publications
such as Labour Research, Incomes Data Services, Industrial Relations
Law Reports and Industrial Relations Review & Report.
Searches on case law are frequently made and Professor
Roger Rideout is retained to provide expert legal opinion. The
Federation employs two vastly experienced Research Officers both
of whom have represented members of affiliated Unions at Tribunals
and have supported affiliated Unions in disputes.
Publications
The GFTU Educational Trust publishes
Federation News, an analytical periodical, Federation Journal and
Union Reps Briefing, a publication designed to inform Union Shop
Stewards, Safety Representatives and members on particular topics.
A range of specialist papers are produced on a whole range of topics.
In addition a Biennial Report and a Report
of Proceedings at Conference are produced.
Pension Scheme
The Federation administers an attractive
Pension Scheme for officials and staff of affiliated Unions and
its own staff. The Scheme has a total of sixty five members and
beneficiaries and assets of £5 million. Members pay a contribution
of 4% of salary and Unions make a contribution based upon an actuarial
assessment. A members handbook is available on request (to members
only).
Meeting Rooms
A board room and syndicate room are available
free of charge for use of affiliates. These rooms may be booked
by outside organisations on a charged basis (details available
upon request).
Attending Meetings
The Federation attends meetings on behalf
of affiliated Unions where the affiliate is unable to attend. Examples
of such meetings are Unity Trust Bank Shareholders and the Trade
Union/Labour Party Liaison Committee.
The affiliated Union can ask questions through
the GFTU at the meeting or make comments. A report of the meetings
can then be produced for the affiliate.
Political Activity
The Federation works closely with John Mann
MP, Member of Parliament Bassetlaw Constituency, to provide communication
channels for affiliated unions particularly in respect of proposed
legislation.
Costs
The cost to affiliated Unions of the services
shown above is 19p per member per quarter (or 71p per year if paid
annually).
Executive Committee
PRESIDENT Doug Nicholls, UNITE (TGWU
- Community and Youth Workers' Union)
VICE-PRESIDENT Joe Marino, BFAWU
Rosie Eagleson, PCS DCS AMO Group
Peter Booth, UNITE (TGWU - Northern Carpet
Trades Section)
John Fray, National Union of Journalists
John Smith, Musicians' Union
Ben Marshall, CONNECT
Judie McKnight OBE., NAPO
Peter Pendle, Association for College
Management
Terry Pye, UNITE (Amicus - Metal Mechanics'
Sector)
Joe Mann, COMMUNITY
Charles Ward, Association of Education
Psychologists
John Barnwell, League Managers Association
Phil Davies, GMB Manufacturing |
