Amalgamated Society of Scale Beam and Weighing Machine Makers / National Union of Scalemakers

Scope and Content

Reports and various publications.

Administrative / Biographical History

A number of small unions for scalemakers were established in the nineteenth century including the London Journeymen Scalemakers Trade Protection and Benefit Society. The London Society found improved wages for its membership following the passing of the 1889 Weights and Measures Act and promptly disbanded the union. In 1909 another union, the Amalgamated Society of Scale Beam and Weighing Machine Makers was established initially in Liverpool and Sheffield but this extended gradually. A split in 1923 led to the London section becoming the Society of Scale Beam and Weighing Machinists while Manchester retained the original name (ASSBWMM). The two organisations merged in 1928 with the title Society of Scale Beam and Weighing Machinists and this was changed to the National Union of Scalemakers in 1930. In 1947 it became a member of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU).

Access Information

This collection is available to researchers by appointment at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick. See https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/using/

Acquisition Information

These items were transferred from the University Library.

Additional records deposited as part of Unite records in Oct 2014.

Other Finding Aids