ABSTRACT
The law relating to trade unions has been the subject of massive change in the last three decades. It is the area of law which is most subject to the political construction of the government and therefore, when a Conservative government was elected in 1979, a wealth of legislation restricting the power of trade unions was introduced. The change of government in 1997 led to the passing of the ERA 1999. This Act introduces rights for all workers and some specific rights for trade union members in addition to recognition rights for trade unions. This chapter will deal with issues specifically related to the trade union, such as rights to information, rights to consultation and the relationship between the union and its members. Chapter 12 will look at issues in relation to the taking of industrial action.
