The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 was enacted to provide a mechanism for the settlement of industrial disputes. It established a system of Courts of Inquiry and Boards of Conciliation (tribunals) to investigate and mediate conflicts between employers and employees. Regarding strikes, the Act imposed significant restrictions: it prohibited strikes and lock-outs in public utility services (such as railways, post, and water supply) without a 14-day prior notice. Additionally, it declared illegal any strike or lock-out that had objectives other than the furtherance of a trade dispute within a specific industry or was intended to coerce the government through widespread public hardship. This effectively banned general and political strikes.