Change The World

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.

About the Author

John Callow is the Director of Archives at the Marx Memorial Library. He is the author of seven books on history and politics, and is a member of Unite the Union.