New Model Union - The 'Junta'

The 'Junta'

The Webbs termed a group of leading New Model Unionists, who regularly met in London in the 1860s a junta. This group included:

• Robert Applegarth, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners
• William Allan, Amalgamated Society of Engineers
• Edward Coulson, Operative Bricklayers' Society
• George Odger, Amalgamated Society of Ladies' Shoemakers
• Daniel Guile, Amalgamated Society of Iron Founders

They played an important role in advocating the benefits of New Model Unionism to the Royal Commission into trade unionism that took place in the late 1860s. Their influence ceased with the establishment of a parliamentary committee for trade unions, and the Trades Union Congress, in 1871.