National Union of Seamen Project
- Date:
- 1978-1981
- Reference:
- SA/TIH/B/2/55
- Part of:
- Tavistock Institute of Human Relations
- Archives and manuscripts
Collection contents
About this work
Description
The National Union of Seamen Project developed from the earlier collaborative project with Jebsens UK, see SA/TIH/B/2/52, which highlighted the importance of membership participation in seafaring. The Tavistock Institute, represented by Elliot Stern and Patrick Quinn, was asked to submit a proposal for a project with NUS to increase membership participation in the Union.
In 1978, a working relationship between the NUS and the Tavistock Institute was approved by the Exectuive Council. The resulting project had three main objectives: the development of effective participation by lay members in affairs of the Union, to develop and work through the Union's changing role in the shipping industry, and to develop forms of work organisation to enhance the quality of working life for members.
The research for the project was carried out through a series of visits to local port branches of the NUS, and through attendance and observations at a series of three workshops for members of the Executive Council of the NUS. The research was focused primarily on interviews with officers and ratings regarding their experiences and impressions of the Union.