1913 lockout essay

In the long run the removal of documentation only contributed to the growth of lockout mythology. The reality was that while Larkin was more ideologically eclectic than Connolly he was a more formidable organiser and an incomparable public speaker. In August 1913 winning union recognition at the DUTC must have seemed eminently feasible.

15,000 workers locked out. By 4 September 1913, Murphy had persuaded over 400 of Dublin’s employers to lock out any employee who refused to sign declarations forswearing the ITGWU. Within a few weeks at least 15,000 workers were locked out and dependent on the TUC food fund for survival.

In the process O’Brien presided over the systematic destruction of ITGWU records detailing Larkin’s role in the union. In the long run the removal of documentation only contributed to the growth of lockout mythology.

The dispute involved some 20,000 workers and lasted from 26 August 1913 to 18 January 1914. It is often viewed as the most severe and significant industrial dispute in Irish history. Video of a special programme made by RTÉ on the Lockout.