Industrial violence refers to acts of violence which occur within the context of industrial relations. These disputes can involve employers and employees, unions, employer organisations and the state. There is not a singular theory which can explain the conditions under which industrial conflicts become violent. However, there are a variety of partial explanations provided by theoretical frameworks on collective violence, social conflict and labor protest and militancy.
Violent industrial disputes have pre-dated the Industrial Revolution, and include multiple modern day examples, like the UK Miners Strike (1984-85). These disputes predominantly occur in the form of violent strikes opposing employers, and have had varying results in terms of subsequent legal change. Violent action taken against labor unions is also a form of industrial violence and multiple instances of this have occurred.
Pre-Industrial Revolution
Ireland
In late 18th Century Dublin, violent disputes often occurred between masters and journeymen. At this time, Dublin was the centre of economic growth for Ireland, which likely resulted in the high rate of crime (between 1708 and 1786, 173 homicides were reported). Laws against combinations had begun in the 16th century. By the 18th century they had become more numerous with increasingly severe punishments. ‘Combinations’ are almost equivalent to modern day strikes. However, they were generally more violent and usually resulted in physical injury or damage to property. In 1729 the first general law against combinations passed, but proved to be ineffectual. By 1772, at least seven more had passed, reflecting both the futility of these laws and the rising organisational strength of artisans, journeymen and servants.
Three more anti-combination acts were passed in 1780. Collectively, this is known as The Combination Act of 1780. This law extended the death penalty to violent attacks on workshops, materials and tools. This legislation was in response to the crime and violence within the workplace due to the issue of labour supply. In attempting to reduce the supply of labour, combinators utilised several tactics. This included setting fire to factories, outright physical violence against apprentices, masters and innocent citizens, as well as posting anonymous letters including threats to masters. In June 1780, three tape and garter master's homes were attacked by a group of journeymen. Their windows were broken and shots were fired at their house. In April 1781, a sugar refinery on Hanbury Lane was set alight.
Industrial violence also arose from the military, police and an independent group known as The Volunteers which all supported the masters. This was an independent force seeking reforms within Ireland during the American War of Independence, but once they had acquired firearms some factions cooperated with the masters in upholding anti-combination laws.
During the Industrial Revolution
Europe
Industrial violence often occurred during this period of industrialisation. David Snyder and William R. Kelly utilised Italian records of labour shortages to reveal over 6,000 labour disputes occurred between 1878 and 1903, with over 11% of these disputes being violent. This data includes violence which did not involve a collective like that of a strike, but rather instances like damage to a person of property which involved two to three workers. Whilst France offers a less comprehensive record, forty-five violent strikes were reported between 1890 and 1914.
A notable instance of industrial violence within this period was the Great Labour Unrest, which occurred between 1911 and 1914. The violence occurred both on behalf of the protesters and the states, and included riots, damage to property and infantrymen opening fire. Both the Liverpool General Transport Strike of 1911 and the Dublin Lockout 1913 are notable examples of the conflicts within this period. The Liverpool General Transport Strike centred around the strike of transport workers, which froze Liverpool commerce. On August 13, a crowd of 18,000 people rallied, and were subsequently baton charged by police, unprovoked. This was known as ‘Bloody Sunday’. Troops were deployed in support of the police, and a gunboat was stationed in the River Mersey. Hundreds were hospitalised, and two days later troops opened fire at the docks within the city, resulting in the death of two men and the injury of 13. However, these were not the only fatalities which occurred during this period of widespread industrial conflict. Four days following Bloody Sunday, two striking railwaymen were shot in South Wales by troops.