APPLEGARTH, ROBERT (1834-1925), English trade union leader, was the son of a Sheffield quartermaster. After emigrating to the United States he returned to England and became the general secretary of the new Amalgamated Society of Car penters and Joiners in 1862. He became the chief member of the group of officials, later called the "junta," which imposed a new structure and policy upon the British trade-union movement. Other prominent members were William Allan (engineers), Daniel Guile (ironfounders), and Edwin Coulson (bricklayers). The new unions, in direct contrast to the old, had high friendly benefits and high subscriptions, rising to one shilling a week in some cases. Almost absolute authority was granted to the central office, which was, for the first time, equipped with a regular staff, and a policy of conciliation and co-operation with the employers was pursued. In 1872, perceiving that the victory of his new principles was now assured, Applegarth resigned his office and entered business. But to the end of his very long life he retained an interest in Labour affairs and his advice was treated with great respect.