Introduction.- The Historical Background.- Union Power Before 1979.- The Origins, Development and Effect of the Conservative.- Government, 1979-90 Using the Legislation: An Employer's Onslaught?.- The Unions' Political Role: Relations with the Conservative Government, 1979-90.- Trade Unions and the Labour Party.- The Changing Economic Context Shopfloor.- Industrial Relations: The Private Sector Shopfloor.- Industrial Relations: The Public Sector.- Thatcherism and Industrial Relations.