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to air n July s met they agreed to all demands. Fines and deductions would end, wages would be improved and grievance procedures introduced. And, crucially, a canteen would be provided to prevent meals being lethally laced with phosphorous.

The matchgirls went back to work. As Annie Besant wrote, they had “put new heart into all who are struggling for liberty and justice.” They inspired unskilled workers to unite and the New Unionism movement began.

In 1889 a Gas Workers’ and General Labourers Union was formed, winning an eight-hour working day.

That August the 60,000-strong dockers’ strike hit the Port of London. Dock leaders used the matchgirls’ strike to spur their men on. Sam says: “Dockers acted because they were the husbands, brothers and sons of the matchgirls.”

Days after they won, the Union of Women Match Makers held its first meeting. It grew and became the Matchmakers Union, open to women and men.

Sarah Chapman was elected its first TUC representative, attending the 1888 international conference in London.

On Sunday her great-granddaughter will be at the TUC Conference.

Sam has been invited to hear the president’s opening speech – in which the matchgirls’ will be hailed as shining pioneers in trade union history.

“I’m sure Sarah and her colleagues would be very proud” says Sam. “After 130 years the flame they lit still burns.”

Effects of ‘Phossy jaw’