Skip to main content
Tolpuddle: almost 200 years on, bosses are still attacking the material conditions of workers
BEN SELLERS, of the Institute of Employment Rights, highlights how attempts to undermine workers’ security and curb collective action have remained a common theme over the years – but resistance remains a common theme too
LEADING THE WAY: Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary addressing the media

FOR those of us in the labour movement, July is synonymous with two glorious celebrations of trade unionism. If you can’t be at both, you certainly have to be at one. 

First comes the Durham Miners’ Gala, on the second Saturday of July, followed a week later by the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival. 

These are very different occasions, with distinct histories, but they are linked by a remembrance and respect for the power of collective struggle. There’s nothing like it. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Features / 29 October 2024
29 October 2024
Everything we’ve seen so far from Starmer and Reeves indicates that they remain committed to the economic orthodoxy of cuts imposed by the Tories – which is why we need to revitalise the anti-austerity movement, says BEN SELLERS of the People’s Assembly
TELL IT TO THE MARINES: Homelessness minister Felicity Bucha
Opinion / 28 June 2024
28 June 2024
BEN SELLERS explains why Britain needs a People’s Charter now
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing St
Features / 9 March 2024
9 March 2024
We don’t need a weak 2p tax bribe and councils collapsing nationwide: we need to build a mighty coalition to fight austerity and deliver public services for all, writes BEN SELLERS, national secretary of the People’s Assembly
 Tolpuddle Martyrs' Rally in 2016
Features / 13 July 2023
13 July 2023
Almost two hundred years on from the Tolpuddle Martyrs, the trade union movement is still having to fight attempts to delegitimise and criminalise its activities, writes BEN SELLERS
Similar stories
A sketch of the Drax Hall plantation in Barbados
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2024 / 20 July 2024
20 July 2024
KEITH FLETT uncovers the links between Dorset landowners, Caribbean plantations, slavery and the prosecution of trade unionists, revealing a darker side to the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ story
Fighting and winning: A Unison picket during their successfu
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2024 / 20 July 2024
20 July 2024
Unison South West regional secretary KERRY BAIGENT charts the recent successes for industrial action and organising in her area, and outlines the challenges ahead, urging Labour to deliver on workers’ rights and social care
People take part in a protest organised by the Rail, Maritim
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2024 / 20 July 2024
20 July 2024
With a Labour government now in power it’s time to rebuild in the interests of working people, says MICK LYNCH
The Martyrs Inn in the Dorset village of Tolpuddle
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2024 / 20 July 2024
20 July 2024
We can take inspiration from our forebears and win the repeal of anti-worker legislation and bring about fair pay and decent public services for all, says STEVE GILLAN