A landmark moment for trade unionism on Merseyside will be explored at an upcoming public lecture at Liverpool Hope University.
The famous Liverpool Transport Workers’ Strike brought the city’s business activities to a halt in the summer of 1911, transforming trade unionism in the process.
The significance of that period is set to be discussed when Professor Ralph Darlington delivers the first instalment of the University’s 2023/24 Distinguished Lecture Series on Wednesday 11 October.
Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations at Salford University, Professor Darlington’s lecture will address the content of his latest book, Labour Revolt in Britain 1910-14.
An industrial relations expert, Professor Darlington’s latest publication examines the context and impact of the Labour Revolt, as well as the role of the radical left and the relationship between industrial struggles and political organisation, all of which remains relevant today.
With a particular focus on Liverpool, Professor Darlington’s lecture will be of interest to students of economics, politics, history and employment relations, as well as trade unionists and social movement activists.
Speaking ahead of the lecture, he said: “I’m delighted to be returning to talk about my new book in the city that I lived in and was a student for a number of years.
“The ‘Labour Revolt’ that swept Britain between 1910-14 was one of the most sustained, dramatic and violent explosions of industrial militancy and social conflict the country has ever experienced.
“The powerful grassroots energy, widespread solidarity action, phenomenal trade union growth, and economic and political challenge to employers and government was most graphically expressed during the famous 1911 Liverpool Transport Workers’ Strike.
“With new archival research and fresh insights, and combining history from below and above, this lecture provides a multi-dimensional portrayal of the context, causes, actors, dynamics and significance of this strike wave and its contemporary relevance.”
Professor Darlington’s lecture takes place at 5.30pm in the Eden Lecture Theatre at the University’s Hope Park Campus (L16 9JD) on Wednesday 11 October.
It is open to students, university staff and the general public. Pre-registration is not required and refreshments will be served from 5pm before the lecture begins.
View the full programme for the 2023/24 Distinguished Lecture Series.