| Administrative History | The United Society of Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders was formed in 1852, upon amalgamation of the Scottish Friendly Boilermakers' Society, the Amicable Provident Society of Journeymen Boilermakers of Great Britain, and the United Friendly Boilermakers' Society. The name was changed to the United Society of Boilermakers, Shipbuilders and Structural Workers in 1963, upon amalgamation with the Associated Blacksmiths, Forge and Smithy Workers, and the Ship Constructors' and Shipwrights' Association.
An Aberdeen branch of the United Society of Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders was established in 1872.
Further information about the development of the trade union movement and the history of individual trade unions in Aberdeen can be found in William Diack, 'History of the Trades Council and the Trade Union Movement in Aberdeen', (Aberdeen: Aberdeen Trades Council, 1939), and in Kenneth D. Buckley, 'Trade Unionism in Aberdeen 1870 - 1900', (Edinburgh and London: Oliver and Boyd, 1955). Arthur Marsh and Victoria Ryan, 'Historical Directory of Trade Unions', 4 vols (Aldershot: Gower, 1980 - 1984) also contains useful information about the development of individual unions, at both the national and local level. Summarised details from each of these sources has been used in compiling this collection level description.
The name of the society, as noted above, was possibly changed to the United Society of Boilermakers, Shipbuilders and Structural Workers before 1963 as printed material exists from the 1950's bearing this title. |