The creation of general unions, from the early nineteenth century in the United Kingdom and somewhat later elsewhere, occurred around the same time as efforts began to unionise workers in new industries, in particular those where employment could be irregular.
Proponents of general unions claim that their broader range of members allows more opportunities for solidarity action and better coordination in general strikes and the like.
Detractors claim that the broader remit means they tend to be more bureaucratic and respond less effectively to events in a single industry.
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