The interpretation offered here distinguishes unions focused on their members' interests from movements organised around political ideology. British unions in the 1920s and 1930s are described as wary of Soviet influence and concerned about being identified with communism. Their political strength is placed alongside efforts to keep ideological activists from compromising that position. Wartime cooperation with Stalin is then suggested as one reason those boundaries became harder to maintain. These are judgments about changes within the union movement, with no named union or industrial dispute examined in detail.
Notable Point · 2:01:02-2:04:21
Interwar British unions and fears of communist influence
The panel interprets interwar British union politics through members' interests, political reputation and fears of Soviet influence.