Trade Union Congresss

The best medium for concerted action upon X the part of all trade unions which has been established is the annual Trade Union Congress. This Congress was first convened in 1868, at a time when trade unionism had fallen into great discredit in consequence of the disturbances of the public peace which had arisen in connection with it in Sheffield and elsewhere. ‘The fourth Congress was held in the town of Nottingham in January, 1872. The three previous meetings had been held in the months of March, June, and August, but it was deemed advisable on the occasion referred to for the Congress to meet in January, so as to be ready with a programme of work for the ensuing session of Parliament. The new unionist influence, which achieved an unqualified victory at the Norwich Congress, has made itself felt in the direction of demanding State control in other matters connected with labour besides the limitation of hours.