GMB (trade union)

GMB (trade union) is a major trade union in the United Kingdom, with a diverse membership across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and local government. The union has a long history, dating back to its formation in 1982 through the merger of several smaller unions, including the Boilermakers' Society and the General and Municipal Workers' Union. GMB has been affiliated with the Trades Union Congress and the European Trade Union Confederation, and has worked closely with other unions, such as the Unite the Union and the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. The union's leadership has included notable figures like Tim Roache and Paul Kenny, who have played key roles in shaping the union's policies and activities.

● History

The history of GMB is closely tied to the development of the labour movement in the United Kingdom, with roots dating back to the 19th century and the formation of unions like the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and the National Union of Mineworkers. The union's predecessor, the General and Municipal Workers' Union, was founded in 1889 and played a significant role in the General Strike of 1926, alongside other unions like the Transport and General Workers' Union and the National Union of Railwaymen. GMB has also been involved in various industrial disputes, including the Miners' Strike of 1984-1985 and the Wapping dispute of 1986-1987, which involved clashes with News International and the Police Federation. The union has worked closely with other organizations, such as the Institute of Employment Rights and the Trades Union Congress, to promote workers' rights and interests.

● Structure

The structure of GMB is based on a federal model, with a national executive and regional offices, including the GMB London Region and the GMB North West and Irish Region. The union is divided into various sections, including the GMB Public Services Section and the GMB Manufacturing Section, which represent members working in different industries and sectors. GMB has a strong presence in local government, with members working in councils and other public sector organizations, such as the National Health Service and the Department for Work and Pensions. The union's national executive includes representatives from different regions and sections, ensuring that the diverse interests of members are represented, including those from the GMB Young Members' Network and the GMB Women's Network.

● Membership

GMB has a diverse membership of over 600,000 workers, with members employed in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The union represents members working in both the public sector and the private sector, including companies like British Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, and Tesco. GMB has a strong presence in local government, with members working in councils and other public sector organizations, such as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Manchester City Council. The union also represents members working in charities and voluntary organizations, such as the British Red Cross and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Members of GMB are also involved in various community organizations, including the Co-operative Party and the Labour Party.

● Industrial_sectors

GMB represents members working in a wide range of industrial sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and energy. The union has a strong presence in the public sector, with members working in healthcare, education, and local government. GMB also represents members working in the private sector, including companies like Amazon, Asda, and BMW. The union has been involved in various industrial disputes in these sectors, including the British Airways cabin crew dispute and the Royal Mail industrial dispute. GMB has worked closely with other unions, such as the Unite the Union and the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, to promote workers' rights and interests in these sectors, including the GMB Manufacturing Section and the GMB Public Services Section.

● Political_activity

GMB is affiliated with the Labour Party and has been involved in various political campaigns, including the Trade Union Freedom Bill and the National Minimum Wage campaign. The union has also worked closely with other organizations, such as the Trades Union Congress and the Institute of Employment Rights, to promote workers' rights and interests. GMB has been critical of government policies that affect workers' rights, including the Trade Union Act 2016 and the Public Sector Pay Cap. The union has also been involved in various protests and demonstrations, including the People's Assembly Against Austerity and the TUC March for the Alternative. Notable politicians, such as Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, have spoken at GMB events, including the GMB Congress.

● Notable_members

GMB has had several notable members, including Tim Roache, the former General Secretary of the union, and Paul Kenny, the former President of the union. Other notable members include Mary Turner, the former President of the union, and Kamaljeet Jandu, the former National Officer for the union. GMB members have also been involved in various community organizations, including the Co-operative Party and the Labour Party. The union has also had links with other notable figures, such as Tony Benn and Bob Crow, who have spoken at GMB events, including the GMB Congress and the TUC Congress.

● Controversies

GMB has been involved in various controversies over the years, including the GMB bullying scandal and the GMB expenses scandal. The union has also been criticized for its handling of industrial disputes, including the British Airways cabin crew dispute and the Royal Mail industrial dispute. GMB has also been involved in various political controversies, including the Labour Party leadership election, 2015 and the Labour Party leadership election, 2016. The union has faced criticism from other unions, such as the Unite the Union and the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, over its handling of certain issues, including the GMB Manufacturing Section and the GMB Public Services Section. Despite these controversies, GMB remains a major player in the labour movement in the United Kingdom, with a strong presence in various industries and sectors, including healthcare, education, and local government.

Category:Trade unions in the United Kingdom