The rise of the Labour party and labour organisations across Europe has been a significant socio-political development since the 19th century. These movements have often faced resistance from governments and employers, yet they have played a pivotal role in shaping modern industrial relations.
Labour Party’s Rise to Prominence in the UK
During the First World War, the Labour Party in the United Kingdom gained considerable strength, becoming influential enough to join the coalition government. This marked a turning point for the party, which had been advocating for workers’ rights amid a rapidly industrializing society. The war period highlighted the critical role of workers and their contribution to the national effort, leading to increased recognition and political power for the Labour Party.
German Labour Organisations and Government Resistance
In Germany, labour organisations have roots that can be traced back to the time of the Franco-Prussian War. Despite facing a hostile environment under anti-socialist laws until 1890, German labour groups managed to organize effectively by 1914. Employers, however, were not passive in the face of this growing movement. They formed counter-organizations, such as the Central Union of German Industrialists, which included influential figures like colliery proprietors and iron masters from Westphalia. These employer groups actively resisted labour unions, going as far as boycotting them by denying employment to trade unionists and socialists. This struggle between labour and employers was an ongoing tension when World War I erupted.
Labour Organisation in France: A Slow and Irregular Development
The development of labour organisation in France was markedly slower and more sporadic compared to its European neighbours, England and Germany. French labour combinations were initially prohibited under Napoleon’s rule, and this stance was codified in the penal code of 1810. It wasn’t until after the Revolution of 1830 that there was any significant easing of restrictions. During this time, the philosophies of Saint Simon and Fourier began gaining traction, influencing the discourse on labour. However, Napoleon III reinstated his uncle’s stringent labour policies in 1851. It took until 1864 for the legalisation of workmen’s combinations, and finally, in 1884, the Waldeck Rousseau Law provided French labour the recognition that had already been achieved in Germany and England.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the First World War contribute to the rise of the Labour Party and the recognition of labour organisations in the UK?
2. What strategies did German employers use to resist the organisation of labour, and how did this influence the dynamics of industrial relations in Germany?
3. Compare and contrast the development of labour legislation in France with that of Germany and England. What factors contributed to the relatively slower progress in France?