Trades Disputes Act

views updated

Trades Disputes Act, 1906. The Liberal government introduced a bill based on the recommendations of the royal commission (1903). It proposed statutory recognition of unions and the separation of their benefit funds from strike and general funds. The trade unions and Labour MPs were not satisfied with the government's bill and introduced a private member's bill. The Labour bill was accepted by the Liberals and formed the basis of the Trades Disputes Act. This indemnified unions against civil proceedings; their funds were protected against claims for damages, thus discounting the Taff Vale judgment (1902). This very privileged position survived until 1927.

John Butt

More From encyclopedia.com