A History of the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades

In September 1991 the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT), a history dating back to the 1760s, merged with the National Graphical Association (NGA) to form the Graphical, Paper and Media Union (GPMU). This is a study of the history of the merger.

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In September 1991 the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT), with a history dating back to the 1760s, merged with the National Graphical Association (NGA) to form the Graphical, Paper and Media Union (GPMU). With full access to the union's records, John Gennard and Peter Bain have produced a wide-ranging history of SOGAT up to its merger with the NGA in 1991. This study has been organized into four sections. The first is concerned with the formation of SOGAT, its break-up in 1972 and subsequent reformation. The factors leading to SOGAT's merger with the NGA are also covered. The second part deals the organizational financial structure of the National Union of Printing, Bookbinding and Paperworks (NUPB & PW) and SOGAT. The third analyzes the relationship between the NUPB & PW and SOGAT and other print trade union bodies, the TUC and the Labour Party. The fourth part examines SOGAT's relations with the various employers and includes an anlysis of the News International dispute. In addition to presenting a thorough study of the union, this book provides a valuable insight into the paper and printing industries during a period of great change.