2.7) Usdaw - One Union for the Distributive Trades
On 1st January 1947 the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers was launched after members of NAUSAW&C and NUDAW voted to amalgamate.
The old Nudaw badge
|
Discussion on amalgamation began as far back as 1904. In both 1926 and 1937 ballots had taken place for amalgamation but had failed in recording the necessary number of votes. In addition to these two ballots, many discussions had ground to a halt over the years for one reason or another.
For more than 50 years the two Unions had lived uneasily together, often competing for the same members. NUDAW had much the greater number of Co-operative members and the NAUSAW&C were stronger in the private distributive trades and, in particular, had a wide range of agreements with the multiple firms.
In 1945 the two Unions finally reached agreement on amalgamation but the ballot was delayed as NUDAW had over 80,000 members in the forces and the NAUSAW&C had 30,000 scattered around the world on land and at sea. Many of these members were still abroad in 1946 when the ballot took place and strenuous efforts were made to contact them in order to secure a large and favourable vote.
The ballot was successful and on 1st January 1947 the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers was launched.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
