Het Nationaal Arbeids-Secretariaat 1893-1940: De geschiedenis van de eerste vakcentrale in Nederland

Abstract

This study analyses the development of the founding, growth and downfall of the Nationaal Arbeids-Secretariaat (NAS), the National Labour Secretariat, the first national confederation of trade union federations in the Netherlands, between 1893 and 1940. The foundation of the NAS resulted from the independent and instrumental cooperation of independent unions of skilled workers, which was pursued since the 1880s. The study focuses on the development of the organization, collective action and the ideas and influence of individuals and ties in with the traditional notion of the narrative-institutional labour history. However, it deviates from this notion as it uses the distinction between instrumental and expressive politicswhich derives from the British sociologist F. Parkin and his study on new social movements. The genesis of this distinction lies in Max Weber’s works. Furthermore, this study focuses on the interaction between the NAS and foreign trade unions and political movements. This interaction allowed the transnational conveyance of organisation principles, ideological standpoints and the execution of collective action tactics. The NAS was a heterogeneous organization with a doubleidentity. It was an instrumental organization which represented the immediate interests of the workers. At the same time it was part of an expressive orientated protest movement. In the NAS’s view, the fight for representation of interests and the social protest against capitalism were inextricably linked. The internal dynamic derived from this double identity caused tension, because the representation of interests required different demands from the NAS, than protesting against social inequality. In syndicalism, direct action for material improvement was considered as practice forthe General Strike, which was to overthrow capitalism. Through organized actions (protests, strikes) workers schooled themselves in their future role when unions, as associations, were to take on a regulating task in the production and distribution. The NAS struggled with the interference of various socialist and anarchist movements. The expressively propagated freedom ideal was emphasized, in which it distinguished itself from the Nederlandsch Verbond van Vakvereenigingen (Dutch Federation of Trade Unions, NVV). The NVV turned out to be a successful succession of the original instrumental efforts, which were drafted by the founders of the NAS. The extensive autonomy of the federations thwarted a unisonous strategy. Internal discussions concerned strategy, organizational culture, support during strikes, and cooperation with political parties and international positioning did not cease. Between the smaller and the bigger organizations differences in opinion frequently occurred. In addition, there was tension between the federations and the NAS executive. The varying membership of the executive, the erratic number of members and the differences in standpoints were threatening continuance. As a result the NAS experienced multiple changes, which manifested itself in different phases which are described is this study. After the German occupation in 1940, the federations tried to continue their activities, but the occupying power liquidated the NAS. After the Second World War NAS’s intellectual legacy left its marks within the Unity Trade Union (Eenheidsvakcentrale, EVC) and the Independent Federation of Industrial Unions (Onafhankelijk Verbond van Bedrijfsorganisaties, OVB).