| Predecessor | Association of Wireless Telegraphists Cable and Telegraph Operators' Association, |
|---|---|
| Merged into | National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Dissolved | 1985 |
| Headquarters | 4/6 Branfill Road,Upminster |
| Location |
|
| Members | 4,500 (1922) 2,957 (1968)[1] |
Publication | The Signal |
| Affiliations | TUC,ITF,IFR,SJC |
TheRadio and Electronic Officers' Union (REOU) was atrade union representing radio operators on British civilian ships.
The union was founded in 1921, when the Association of Wireless Telegraphists merged with the Cable and Telegraph Operators' Association, forming theAssociation of Wireless and Cable Telegraphists. The majority of early members worked for theMarconi Company,Siemens Brothers, or the Radio Communication Company.[2]
The union was successful, and by 1922 it had about 4,500 members, and was a member of the Seafarers' Joint Council.[2] It undertook a strike in 1922, which achieved agreement on a standard pay scale, and another in 1925 in opposition to a pay cut.[3] However, it devoted much of its time to negotiating with theEngineering Employers' Federation.[2]
In 1937, the union renamed itself as theRadio Officers' Union.[2] It affiliated to theTrades Union Congress in 1936, the Officers' (Merchant Navy) Federation in 1940, and theNational Maritime Board in 1941.[3]
In 1967, the union lengthened its name to theRadio and Electronic Officers' Union, in light of it also admitting technicians. By this time, it had members in theMerchant Navy, and also on fishing vessels, oil rigs and related onshore industries.[2]
The union merged with theMerchant Navy and Airline Officers' Association and theMercantile Marine Service Association in 1985, forming theNational Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers.[2]