In October 1866, a meeting took place of the Manchester and Salford Trades Council in the Three Crowns pub on the corner of King Street and Garden Lane, in Greengate.
Up until that point many trades unions, councils and societies had existed in isolation all over the country, almost being ignored by larger trades associations as their members were exploited. It was at this Salford meeting that the trades council president, Samuel Nicholson, said `Why not have a congress of our own?'
Just over twelve months later, invitations were sent out to trades federations and council representing 120,000 members to attend the first `Congress' at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester, which was to become the Trades Union Congress, or TUC.
Speaking to the Salford Star for the 140th anniversary of that Salford meeting, the then TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said "The decision taken in the Three Crowns pub in Salford has implications for working people across the country and around the world".
The Three Crowns pub was, of course, bulldozed in 1995, losing yet more of Salford's heritage, but the significance of that meeting will never be forgotten by trades unions. And to celebrate 150 years since that historic event, the current Salford Trades Union Council is holding a whole week of community events later in the year, which need funding...
Next Saturday, 20th August, there's a Standing on the Shoulders of Giants fundraiser at Islington Mill, with top Salford rock band Blaney headlining, and starring high energy gypsy jazz combo Walk Like Fool Does, plus some celtic arabic fusion sounds by Rubaiyat. There's also going to be an art auction, a union awards ceremony, stalls plus food and a bar.
"Everyone should go and support this event to fund a full week of community events in November" say Steph Vickers from Salford Trades Council "It will be a great night with live music, food laid on by Islington Mill, a bar and lots of stalls and information about the 150th anniversary."
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Fundraiser
Saturday 20th August 6pm-11pm free or donation
Islington Mill, James Street, M3 5HW
For further details see the On The Shoulders Of Giants Facebook page – click here
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