October 3, 2025
Rookes v Barnard [1964] UKHL 1
Trade union officials threatened B.O.A.C. with strike action in breach of contract unless the employer dismissed a non-union employee. The House of Lords held this constituted the tort of intimidation, recognising that threats to breach contracts could form the basis of this tort, and that the Trade Disputes Act 1906 provided no immunity. Facts The appellant, Rookes, was employed by B.O.A.C. as a draughtsman and had resigned from the trade union A.E.S.D. The three respondents, officials of the union, threatened B.O.A.C. that unless Rookes was removed from the Design Office, all union members would withdraw their labour. This threatened strike
