The winter of discontent and its impact Flashcards
Winter of discontent time period = ?
Winter of 1978-1979
How did the winter of discontent start?
In the autumn of 1978 the TUC rejected the Labour government’s proposed wage increase limit of 5%. This encouraged trade unions to put in higher demands.
How much of a pay increase had Ford workers achieved?
Achieved a 17% wage increase in December 1978 after a nine week strike.
What was the affect of the Ford pay increase?
This set the tone for the rest of the trade unions and their workers who now demanded similar figures.
Why were the government annoyed at Ford?
The government had wanted Ford to stick to the 5% pay increase.
After the strike by Ford workers which unions followed suite?
Transport was disrupted with lorry drivers striking alongside ASLEF. Public sector workers stirred such as hospital porters and clerical staff in local councils. In addition postmen and gravediggers.
How much had oil lorry drivers managed to get in their pay increase?
15% increase
What did Callaghan do during the winter of discontent that had angered the media?
Callaghan had flown to the Caribbean to go on an international sunny summit in which countries were discussing strategic arms limitations. However the photos of Callaghan sitting in the sun angered the Newspaper who were furious that he was out in the sun whilst the government were in a stand off with TUs.
When were the disputes put to bed?
March 1979
What was the average pay increase?
10% only 5% higher then what the Government aimed for.
What was the main effect of the winter of discontent?
Had a huge psychological effect on the public as the mood dampened and became negative towards Labour.
What did the winter of discontent show to the public?
It showed that the trade unions had the power over the Labour government, they were powerless to do anything to stop the pay increase demands that the trade unions had put forward.
Why were 250,000 workers laid off during the winter of discontent?
Supplies were running short due to bad weather and the transport sector striking which meant that Britain faced the very real possibility of food shortages and potentially rationing.
What’s the big mistake Callaghan did at the 1978 Labour Party conference?
Didn’t announce that an election would be held in 1978. This angered the Trade unions.
Why were trade unions angry at Callaghan for not calling an election sooner?
TUs told Callaghan that he would face large pay increase calls in the winter of 1978-79 after 3 years of income policy. Callaghan ignored this in favour of holding an election later.
