Collection

This collection includes: annual reports and balance sheets, 1881-1990; verbatim reports of annual conference, 1944 & 1946; executive committee reports and minutes, 1927 & 1943; records concerning accidents, industrial disputes and negotiations over pay and conditions; 'Monthly Journal' [1888]-1896; 'Locomotive Journal' and 'ASLEF Journal', 1924 to date; pamphlets, 1907-c.2001; research material, 1861-1994; branch records, 1882-1996; papers of Percy Collick MP, (1871)-1965.

108 boxes (101 [MSS.379], 7 [1222])

The Engine Drivers' and Firemen's United Society was founded in 1865 and claimed a membership of over 10,000 by 1866 when they made initial demands for a 10 hour day and payment of overtime as well as an increase in pay. With the esatblishment of the ASRS in 1872, there was some dilution of membership but the ASRS was regarded as too conciliatory and eventually the demand for a more militant and focused union led to the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen which was formed in Leeds in February 1880. Reference: Arthur Marsh and Victoria Ryan, Historical Directory of Trade Unions. Volume 3 ( Aldershot: Gower, 1987).

This collection has been weeded for duplicates.

A small number of files are closed under the Data Protection Act 1998. There are no other restrictions on access to these papers.

Open

The Centre also holds the records of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales (MSS.127/AS) and the General Railway Workers' Union (MSS.127/GR), and their successor, the National Union of Railwaymen (MSS.127/NU). It also holds the papers of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Vehicle Wagon Builders, Wheelwrights, Carpenters and Mechanics (MSS.259/RV) and the Transport Salaried Staff Association (MSS.55) and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) (MSS.379)

English