"Labour Policy—False and True: A Study in Economic History and Industrial Economics" by Lynden Livingston Macassey is a comprehensive analysis that delves into the intricate relationship between labor policy and economic development. Through a meticulous examination of economic history and industrial economics, Macassey offers a nuanced exploration of labor policies, spanning from their inception to their implications on various facets of society. Drawing upon economic theory and policy analysis, Macassey evaluates the effectiveness of labor policies in navigating the challenges of industrialization and shaping the labor market. With a keen focus on policy evaluation, the book provides insights into the role of trade unions, government intervention, and social welfare in safeguarding labor rights amidst changing economic landscapes. As a seminal work in the field, Macassey's study offers invaluable perspectives on the complexities of labor policy and its impact on economic development. By addressing issues of industrialization, social welfare, and government intervention, the book serves as a vital resource for policymakers, economists, and scholars seeking to understand the dynamics of labor policy in fostering sustainable economic growth and equitable societies.
Lynden Livingston Macassey was a barrister and labor lawyer. Lynden Macassey was born on June 14, 1876, in Carrickfergus, Larne, County Antrim, as the son of engineer and attorney Luke Livingston Macassey. He was educated at Bedford School and Trinity College in Dublin. The Middle Temple called him to the Bar in 1899. Between 1901 to 1909, he taught economics and law at the London School of Economics. During World War I, he became embroiled in industrial unrest among munitions workers on the River Clyde and co-authored a report with Lord Balfour of Burleigh in 1915. His proposals were incorporated into the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act of 1916. In 1916, he negotiated agreements establishing joint committees of employers and shop stewards on the River Clyde. He did, however, back the controversial deportation from Glasgow of militant labour leader David Kirkwood. In 1922, Macassey was appointed as a labour assessor for the British government on the Permanent Court of International Justice in The Hague. His seminal work, Labour Policy: False and True, was also released in 1922. Macassey died in London on February 23, 1963.
