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Tolpuddle and the task of trade unionism today  
Mark Serwotka addressing May Day rally

In 1834 six agricultural labourers were sentenced to seven years’ penal transportation to Australia. Their crime? Forming a trades union to defend their living standards.  

Although trades unions or “friendly societies” were technically legal following the passing of the Combinations of Workmen Act 1825, their activity was strictly monitored.  

A local landowner and magistrate James Frampton, having sought advice from the government, invoked an obscure law — the Unlawful Oaths Act 1797 — which prevented the swearing of secret oaths and had the men arrested.  

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