Amicus was the product of a merger between the AEEU and MSF, and after only five years it merged again with the T&G to become Unite the Union. But its impact during its short period of existence was considerable. It brought together into one union a substantial percentage of Britain's skilled workers, while its focus in the private sector made its contribution unique. Early in its life, the election of Derek Simpson as General Secretary facilitated a major shift to the left within the union, and a repudiation of its 'partnership' approach. This in turn profoundly affected the balance of political forces within the trade union movement as a whole. Amicus sought to develop a new, truly internationalist form of trade unionism, able to transcend national borders with the same ease as finance capital, and therefore better able to defend its members. This is what drove its mergers, both within Britain and beyond. Change the World documents the brief but eventful story of Amicus, and its battle to defend the rights of trade unionists in the constantly shifting global environment.
- ISBN10 1907103260
- ISBN13 9781907103261
- Publish Date 3 May 2011
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 15 January 2015
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Lawrence and Wishart Ltd
- Imprint Lawrence & Wishart Ltd
- Format Paperback
- Pages 420
- Language English