London Trades Council

The London Trades Council (LTC) was founded in 1860 as one of the first Trades Councils in the country. It was instrumental with other Trades Councils, particularly Manchester and Salford, in setting up the Trades Union Congress. It had a prominent role in the various working class struggles in the capital and nationally. In the 1860s it assisted in the set-up of the International Working Men's Association (the "First International"). It became closely involved in the struggles of New Unionism - particularly in the docks, the match girls, and gas workers. It took a leading role in opposing the use of troops in industrial disputes.

Through all the struggles of the 1900s, the LTC took a leading role - including the period of intense struggle from 1919 to the General Strike of 1926 - and on in to the 30s, 40s and 50s. In the Second World War it campaigned for equal pay for women workers mobilized for the war effort. It promoted increased production in combination with a greater say for workers in organizing production. In 1941 it organized a rally in Trafalgar Square supporting the Soviet Union, thus laying the foundations for the Second Front campaign. In the post-war period it campaigned for the nationalization of the mines, electricity supply and transport. In the 1950s the LTC was in conflict with the TUC and the London Federation of Trades Councils was set up.

The Greater London Association of Trade Union Councils was formed in 1974 to succeed the London Federation, and remains active.