The Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives was a trade union representing workers in the footwear trade in the Rossendale area of Lancashire.

The union was founded in 1895, Initially, it restricted membership to the workers perceived as being the most skilled, the lasters and riveters, but gradually expanded to represent all workers in the trade in the area.

Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives

Membership of the union reached a peak of 9,527 in 1945, but declined to only 1,412 in 1995. In 1997, it merged with the National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades.

Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives

General Secretaries

1895: Andrew McAuley

1896: John Jordan

1905: J. Eastwood

1907: Albert Taylor

1947: Robert Driver

1969: Tom Whittaker

1983: Michael Murray

References

Trade unions established in 1895

Borough of Rossendale

Defunct trade unions of the United Kingdom

Trade unions disestablished in 1997

1895 establishments in the United Kingdom

Footwear industry trade unions

Trade unions based in Lancashire

Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe and Slipper Operatives