ABSTRACT
Following the repeal of the Combination Acts in 1824–5, the further growth of trade unionism was at first limited by a severe trade depression lasting until 1828. A falling-off of trade was usually accompanied by the threat of wage reductions and restricted action by the unions, who were on the whole concerned to avoid wage cuts and maintain employment as far as possible. The development of trade unions in the first half of the nineteenth century must therefore be seen against the background of the evolving economy of the time. Once the history of the NAPL has been dealt with and assessed, it is customary to discuss the rather better known Grand National Consolidated Trades Union, which also aimed at a nationwide trade union organization. The origins of the Grand National Consolidated Trade Union lie in the trade union conference of delegates meeting in London in February 1834 to discuss the great Derby strike and lock-out.
