Talk:Trade Union Act 1871

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Legalised trade unions for the first time?

The article claims it was this act that legalised unions for the first time. But the Combinations of Workmen Act 1825 article says that 'This law made illegal any combinations not for the purposes of pressing for wage increases or for a change in working hours.' That suggests unions were legal before 1871, they were just restricted in their activities. In his book 'Victorious Century', David Cannadine says thatt the 1830s was the first great decade of working class organisation. With a quick search I found the Northumberland Miners' Association which was founded in 1864, which is obviously before 1871. And Thomas Hepburn founded the The Colliers of the United Association of Durham and Northumberland in 1825 shortly after the above mentioned Combinations Act. How do we reconcile this? LastDodo (talk) 14:01, 26 September 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I altered the text to reflect the fact that unions were legal but their powers were very limited.LastDodo (talk) 13:20, 6 December 2024 (UTC)[reply]