Taff Vale case

Decision in 1901 by the British Law lords that trade unions were liable for their members' actions, and could hence be sued for damages in the event of a strike, picketing, or boycotting an employer. It followed a strike by union members for higher wages and union recognition against the Taff Vale Railway Company. The judgement resulted in a rapid growth of union membership, and was replaced by the Trade Disputes Act 1906.

The case was heard before the House of Lords as a result of claims for damages made by the Taff Vale Railway Company against the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants after an official strike. The union was found responsible for the actions of its members and ordered to pay compensation of £23,000. The legal implications of the case were recognized by trade unionists, who argued that the costs of strike action would be prohibitive and that the judgement was a deliberate attempt to weaken the trade unions.