This was based on the idea that trade unions had become too powerful and that they were interfering with the operation of the labour market – their actions were generating inflationary pressures and unemployment. A number of Acts were passed which restricted the power and rights of trade unions. The Employment Acts of 1980 and 1982 and the Trade Union Act of 1984 were introduced to curb union power. Secondary action by trades unions was declared illegal, as was the picketing of places other than a member’s own place of work. The possibility of closed shops was limited and it was ruled that ballots had to be held for strike action. Strikes were allowed only if a majority of union members voted in favour of such action and a time limit of four weeks was imposed from the time of the ballot. The Employment Acts of 1988, 1989 and 1990 virtually outlawed the closed shop and allowed grounds for dismissal of employees engaged in unofficial action. The Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act of 1993 made it harder for trade unions to collect subscriptions and ruled that ballots for strike action had to be carried out through the post to reduce the pressure which could be brought to bear on individuals at a union meeting. These laws have almost certainly contributed to the fall in membership of the trade unions evident in the UK over the last 20 years and the reduction in their power