Francis Sims

Francis Ernest Sims (1866 – fl.1913) was a British trade unionist. He was the general secretary of Electrical Trades Union from 1896 to 1900. He expand the union's membership by embarking on a nationwide tour that led to creation of new branches in key cities. He led successful strike actions in Bolton and Sheffield and was a delegate to the founding conference of the Labour Representation Committee in 1900.

Early life Sims was born in Lambeth, London, to John and Sarah Sims. He worked as an electrician and joined the Electrical Trades Union (ETU).

Sims prioritised organisation, and quickly embarked on a sixty-day tour of the UK to strengthen existing branches and form new ones. Results were mixed; although he visited several cities where there was no interest, new branches were founded in Norwich, Bradford, Liverpool and Birmingham, and he impressed existing members. He pressed branches to join local trades councils in order to help secure deals with local authorities.

In 1899, ETU members in Bolton walked out. Sims went to the town to try to resolve the dispute; unable to do so, he made the strike official and achieved victory. The following year, he worked with Councillor Richardson to secure a deal with Sheffield City Council; as a result, a large ETU branch developed in the city. That year, he also attended the founding conference of the Labour Representation Committee, although the ETU did not sign up until 1903.

Scandal Later in 1900, complaints mounted about Sims' performance; his duties had been neglected, and financial records did not add up. When challenged by the union's executive, he did not offer an explanation, but gave two months notice of his intention to resign. Sims later returned to the UK, and in 1913 was readmitted to the ETU, as an ordinary member.