Jewish trade unionists in Glasgow

Abstract

This article attempts briefly to look critically at the literature on Glasgow Jewry, show the settlement and work patterns of Jews in the West of Scotland and the early attitudes of trade unions to them. The major part attempts to examine some experiences, up to the 1920s, of Jewish trade unionists in Glasgow, and whether the evidence fits into the pattern found in other centres. It maintains that in the sector for which records have been found, there was harsh and bitter class struggle between Jewish employees and Jewish and Gentile employers. Thus, the ethnic model of studying the Jewish community, prevalent amongst Jewish historians, can no longer suffice as a necessary method.