Government response to New Model Unionism

Before 1850 the attitude of the government towards trade unionism had largely been negative

There was limited effort by parliament to promote an effective means to protect the experience of workers

The development of NMU encouraged a more thoughtful consideration of unions and the experiences of the working classes

The unions were better financed and organised, and operated on a national scale, thus it would have been a poor government if they did not take any notice of them

NMU also endorsed a more respectable approach which endeared it more easily to those in power

It was particularly relevant to government because of the skilled trades it emobided:

1859 - Molestation of Workmen Act - conceded more rights to those who chose to picket peacefully during strikes but left the definition of 'peaceful persuasion' to the courts

The Act offered conservative reform which recognised the increasing status of the movement, but it retained the means by which to ensure that control remained in government hands - government…