Government Response to TU Flashcards
What was trade unionism seen as?
An obstacle to wealth creation, and if the economy was to be improved then employers should be able to run businesses without cries for workers rights
What did the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars make the government think?
That organised labour against employers was threatening to many landowners, fear of revolution
What was the aim of the Combination Acts?
3 month prison term for anyone found guilty of organising
Why was is amended in 1800?
Allow appeals in the local court sessions and forbid employee’s organisations
Despite this, how could unions still grow?
Improving modes of communication
Despite the Combination Acts, what were many prosecuted under and why?
1797 Unlawful Oaths Act, carried harsher sentences and therefore preferable
What did the repealment of the Combination Acts in 1824 show?
A more enlightened government attitude towards trade unionism
What were economic impacts on a more enlightened government?
After 1820 food prices were 1/3 lower than the previous decade and the GDP had risen by 16.8%. In this positive environment the government could afford to be more sympathetic
What was passed to limit militancy and when?
Combination of Workmen Act in 1825
What was passed in 1823?
Masters and Servant Act
What did the Masters and Servants Act do?
Make the breaking of a contract an offence punishable by imprisonment, made strikes a breach of the agreement
How many prosecutions were there under the act between what years?
10,000 prosecutions between 1857-1875
What did the Master’s and Servants Act show?
That the government was still in favour of employer’s rights
What was the government opinion on NMN?
Had a more respectable attitude towards them as they had more moderate and respectable approaches
What is a picket?
Workers who stand outside the workplace during strikes to persuade others to join their cause
