TRADE UNION

A combination or association of men employed in the same trade, (usually a manual or mechanical trade,) united for the purpose of regulating the customs and standards of their trade, fixing prices or hours of labor, influencing the relations of employer and employed, enlarging or maintaining their rights and privileges, and other similar objects. Trade-union act. The statute 34 A 35 Vict. c. 31, passed in 1871, for the purpose of riving legal recognition to trade unions, is known as the “trade-union act,” or “trade-union funds protection act.” It provides that tfhe’ members of a trade union shall not be prosecuted for conspiracy merely by reason that the rules of such union are in restraint of trade; and that the agreements of trade unions shall not on that account be void or voidable. Provisions are also made with reference to the Registration and registered offices of trade Unions, and other purposes connected therewith. Mozley & Whitley.