Joseph Maddison (trade unionist)

Joseph Maddison (1850-1937) was a British trade unionist and Liberal politician. He was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th century labor movement, particularly known for his role in the printing industry.

Maddison began his career as a printer and became involved in trade union activity early on. He rose through the ranks of the Typographical Association (TA), serving as its general secretary from 1892 to 1921. During his tenure, the TA saw significant growth in membership and influence, negotiating improvements in wages and working conditions for its members. He was instrumental in establishing agreements with employers to ensure fair practices within the industry.

Beyond his work with the Typographical Association, Maddison was also actively involved in broader labor politics. He served as a member of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), a powerful lobbying body representing British trade unions.

Maddison also had a career in electoral politics. He was a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Brightside, Sheffield, from 1897 to 1900. As an MP, he advocated for policies that would benefit working-class people, including improvements to labor laws and social welfare programs. He lost his seat in the 1900 general election.

His commitment to both trade unionism and Liberal politics reflected a common alliance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where many trade unionists saw the Liberal Party as a vehicle for achieving their goals. Maddison's career exemplifies the intersection of labor activism and political representation during this period.