Episode 21: The Life of Ken Turner and Growing Up in a Seafaring Family | Karl Turner MP
In Episode 21 of We Can Work It Out, Dr Jonathan Lord travels to Westminster to meet Karl Turner MP, Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull East, for a fascinating conversation about maritime trade unionism, working-class politics and the remarkable life of his father, Ken Turner.
Growing up in a household where trade unionism and politics were part of everyday life, Karl recalls how his father's commitment to fairness, solidarity and workers' rights shaped his own political beliefs. Ken Turner began his working life as a merchant seafarer before becoming a prominent official of the National Union of Seamen (NUS) and subsequently the RMT, dedicating decades to representing maritime workers.
Karl shares extraordinary memories of his father's involvement in some of Britain's most significant maritime industrial disputes, including the 1966 seamen's strike and the bitter confrontations with P&O during the 1980s. Among the remarkable stories is Ken's involvement in organising industrial action, collecting strike funds and facing a £1 million legal claim from P&O during a period when trade unions were increasingly constrained by legislation.
The conversation also explores Hull's maritime heritage and the transformation of British shipping. Once a major source of secure, relatively well-paid employment, the industry experienced profound changes through globalisation, flags of convenience, declining trade union membership and the increasing use of lower-paid international labour.
Drawing connections between these historical struggles and contemporary employment relations, Jonathan and Karl discuss the mass dismissal of almost 800 P&O Ferries workers in March 2022. Their discussion considers the findings of the University of Salford research report, The Impact of Mass Dismissals on Maritime Workers, and questions whether the government's response has gone far enough to prevent similar events.
Karl reflects on what his father would have thought about P&O's actions, arguing that Ken would have been outraged but unsurprised. They also examine the responsibilities of multinational shipping companies, the importance of effective employment protections and whether strategically important maritime routes should be brought into public ownership.
Beyond maritime employment, the episode considers the historical relationship between the Labour Party and the trade union movement. Karl discusses the influence of his predecessor, John Prescott, the importance of working-class political representation and his concerns about the changing relationship between organised labour and parliamentary politics.
The conversation concludes with Karl's reflections on Ken Turner's legacy and his choice of former RMT General Secretary Bob Crow as one of the most influential figures in the world of work.
Ultimately, this episode is a personal and revealing exploration of family, trade union history, political conviction and the continuing struggle for dignity and fairness at work.
Enjoy the discussion
