Trade unionism in England

Trade unions were the natural outcome of Industrial Revolution. Trade unions are the associations of workers. They
are formed to improve the working conditions

Role of Francis Place

In 1800, Combination Laws made trade unions illegal. Francis Place fought against combination Laws. So Joseph
Hume Committee was formed in 1824. Wages range and hours of work were justified

Robert Owen
Due to the efforts of Robert Owen the Great National Consolidated Trade union was formed. General strike become
their weapon . in 1851 Amalgamated Society of Engineers was formed. They collected subscription from
members. Members were assured of help

Royal Commission of 1867

A new Royal commission was set up in 1867. Trade union Act was passed in 1871. Working of the unions were
rationalised . Treasures of unions were prosecuted for mishandling funds.

Annie Besant
In 1888 Annie Besant organised “Match workers strike”. It was a grand success. Union of gas workers, dock workers,
agricultural workers were formed

The Act of 1921, made railway trade unions legal. Today trade unions are of medical men,
traders,lawyers,journalists,bank,clerks and actors

Now a days Federations and alliances are made. Miners’ federation, Film federation and Engineering federation are a
few. These federations co-operative and they became alliance. Thus Trade union movement has improved life of
workers