Today in Labor History April 21, 1834: 30,000 workers marched for the freedom of six trade unionists who were transported to Australia from Tolpuddle, Britain. The Tolpuddle struggle, which began in 1832, marked the beginning of British trade unionism. The workers were fighting for the repeal of the “Combination Laws,” which outlawed the formation of unions. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were pardoned in 1836, thanks to the popular protests.
coming this July, in Dorset, the Topuddle Martyrs festival: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
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