Harry Urwin
Charles Henry Urwin (24 February 1915 – 10 February 1996) was a British trade unionist.
Born in Witton Gilbert, County Durham, Urwin began work at a local coal mine at the age of fourteen, but left three years later, moving to Coventry to become a welder. He also joined the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), and soon became a shop steward for his workplace.[1]
In 1947, Urwin became secretary of the TGWU's Coventry district, succeeding Jack Jones. This was a full-time post, and he worked closely with Jones, striking up a life-long friendship. In 1959, Urwin became the regional officer, based in Birmingham, then West Midlands secretary in 1963. In 1969 when Jones became the TGWU's general secretary, he made Urwin his assistant, then later created the role of deputy general secretary for Urwin.[1]
Urwin was elected to the general council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), where he proved highly influential despite being one of its few members not to lead a union. He was also active in the Labour Party, and served on the Manpower Services Commission, National Enterprise Board and Energy Commission during the late 1970s, then the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service from 1979.[1]
Jones retired in 1978, and Urwin followed him into retirement in 1980, living in Walsall until his death in 1996.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d William McCarthy, "Urwin, Charles Henry (Harry)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Trade union offices | ||
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Preceded by Harry Nicholas | Assistant General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union 1968 – 1974 | Succeeded by Position abolished |
Preceded by New position | Deputy General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union 1974 – 1980 | Succeeded by Alec Kitson |
- v
- t
- e
- 1922: Ernest Bevin
- 1940: Arthur Deakin
- 1955: Jock Tiffin
- 1955: Frank Cousins
- 1969: Jack Jones
- 1978: Moss Evans
- 1985: Ron Todd
- 1992: Bill Morris
- 2004: Tony Woodley
- 1974: Harry Urwin
- 1980: Alec Kitson
- 1986: Bill Morris
- 1992: Jack Adams
- 1999: Margaret Prosser
- 2002: Tony Woodley
- 2003: Jack Dromey
- 1924: John Cliff
- 1935: Arthur Deakin
- 1940: Harold Clay
- 1948: Jock Tiffin
- 1955: Frank Cousins
- 1956: Harry Nicholas
- 1968: Harry Urwin
- 1974: Vacant
- 1985: Eddie Haigh and Larry Smith
- 1988: Eddie Haigh
- 1991: Vacant
- 1999: Barry Camfield and Jimmy Elsby
- 2000: Barry Camfield and Ray Collins
- 1922: Harry Gosling
- 1930: Herbert Kershaw
- 1934: Harry Edwards
- 1948: Edgar Fryer
- 1960: Len Forden
- 1976: Stan Pemberton
- 1982: Walter Greendale
- 1986: Brian Nicholson
- 1988: Daniel Duffy
- 1996: Andy Smith
- 2002: Peter Landles
- 2004: Jimmy Kelly
- Amalgamated Society of Watermen, Lightermen and Bargemen
- Amalgamated Carters, Lurrymen and Motormen's Union
- Amalgamated Association of Carters and Motormen
- Associated Horsemen's Union
- Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Labourers' Union
- Labour Protection League
- National Amalgamated Labourers' Union
- National Union of Docks, Wharves and Shipping Staffs
- National Union of Ships' Clerks, Grain Weighers and Coalmeters
- National Union of Vehicle Workers
- National Amalgamated Coal Workers' Union
- North of England Trimmers' and Teemers Association
- North of Scotland Horse and Motormen's Association
- United Vehicle Workers