Trade unions in the Isle of Man

Trade unions in the Isle of Man date from the emergence of the first trade unions in Great Britain in the early to mid-19th Century. Initially influenced by the Chartist movement, Manx trade unions played important roles in campaigns for universal suffrage and improvement in working conditions. During the period immediately after the First World War, the Isle of Man saw significant industrial conflict and the labour movement in the island emerged as one of the strongest throughout the British Isles.

Trade unions in the Isle of Man

National organization(s)	Isle of Man Trades Union Council
International Labour Organization
Isle of Man has separate territorial status but is an ILO member via the United Kingdom
Convention declaration
Freedom of Association	27 June 1949
Right to Organise	30 June 1950

Beginnings to World War One

Congress of Spinners of the British Isles in 1829.^[1]

In 1829/30 cotton During the Chartist period, there were far fewer restrictions on freedom of speech in the Isle of Man and Chartist organisations used Douglas as a base for publications.

Bakers were unionised in 1908, and post office staff in 1912.^[2]: 288

General strike and reform

Living conditions in the Isle of Man for the general population deteriorated during the War - in 1917 costs were 80% above 1914 levels with no wage rises to compensate.^[2]: 291

Unions today

The Isle of Man Trades Union Council (IOMTUC) operates as the peak body with 10 affiliated unions: Unite, UNISON, USDAW, NUT, RCN, CWU, NHAT, BECTU, BDA and ATL.^[3]