Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives

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Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives
MergedNational Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades
Founded1895
Dissolved1997
Headquarters7 Tenterfield Street, Rossendale
Location
  • England
Members
9,527 (1945)
AffiliationsTUC, GFTU, ISLWF

The Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives was a trade union representing workers in the footwear trade in the Rossendale area of Lancashire.

The union was founded in 1895,[1] Initially, it restricted membership to the workers perceived as being the most skilled, the lasters and riveters, but gradually expanded to represent all workers in the trade in the area.[2]

Membership of the union reached a peak of 9,527 in 1945, but declined to only 1,412 in 1995. In 1997, it merged with the National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades.[2]

General Secretaries[]

1895?: Albert Taylor
1947: Robert Driver
1969: Tom Whittaker
1983: Michael Murray

References[]

  1. ^ University of Warwick Modern Records Centre, "Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives, 1968-1990s"
  2. ^ a b John B. Smethurst and Peter Carter, Historical Directory of Trade Unions, vol.6, p.104
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