One of the most famous trade unionists in British history: Who is Robert Applegarth?

(1833-1925) British trade unionist. He worked for the centralization of the trade union movement. A carpenter, Applegarth was brought up during the flourishing of the New Model Trade Unionism movement, which emerged after the defeat of the Chartist movement in 1848. The first example of the New Model Union was founded by William Allan in 1851 as the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. Applegarth co-founded the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners in 1860. The union, which was established to organize the carpenters, soon became one of the strongest of the New Model Unions. Applegarth was the union's general secretary from 1862 to 1871.

Robert Applegarth (26 January 1834 – 13 July 1924) was a prominent British trade unionist and proponent of working class causes.

He joined the London Professional Council, which was established in 1860 to ensure inter-union relations. He also took part in the Organization of the Conference of Amalgamated Trades. The purpose of this organization, which was later called the "Junta", was to strengthen the union organization and consisted of the managers of the five big unions. Applegarth became one of the most active leaders of the Junta. Union leaders in the London Council and the Junta were in favor of reconciliation in all areas and wanted disputes to be resolved through law. They saw the strikes as a threat to the financial strength of the unions. “Although we never give up our right to strike, we must be very careful in using this double-edged weapon,” Applegarth said.

In 1864, the First International (International Union of Trade Unions) was formed and British trade unions became members of the International. Applegarth served on the Executive Council of the First International in 1865 and between 1868 and 1872. In 1869, he attended the Basel Congress as a delegate.

In 1865, with the influence of the International, an organization called the Reform League was established in England. Applegarth became one of the foremost leaders of this organization. In 1871, he was appointed to the infectious diseases commission established by the British parliament. He was the first trade unionist to be appointed to such a post. But the union did not allow him to attend commission meetings during business hours. That's why he left the union's general secretariat and his duty in the junta came to an end.