Striking Flashcards
(15 cards)
What industrial disputes did Heath face early in his premiership?
Dockers’ strikes, pay settlements for dustmen, postal workers’ strikes, and a go-slow by power workers.
Why was the government particularly concerned about the strikes?
Due to the growing power and influence of trade unions (TUs).
Who was the Employment Secretary who introduced the Industrial Relations Act 1971?
Robert Carr.
What inspired the Industrial Relations Act 1971?
Barbara Castle’s 1969 Labour proposals in In Place of Strife.
What were the main features of the Industrial Relations Act 1971?
Abolished the National Board for Prices and Incomes, created the Industrial Relations Court, required strike ballots and cooling-off periods, distinguished between official and unofficial strikes.
Why did the Industrial Relations Act fail in practice?
Strong opposition from the TUC and CBI, and lack of union cooperation.
What incident embarrassed the government under the Industrial Relations Act?
The arrest of five dockers for refusing to appear in court, followed by mass protest and their release by the Official Solicitor.
How many working days were lost due to strikes in 1972?
23.9 million – the highest since the General Strike of 1926.
What professions went on strike in 1972?
Miners, ambulance drivers, firefighters, civil servants, power workers, hospital staff, engine drivers.
Why were the miners striking in 1972?
Poor conditions, low pay, dangerous work, undervaluation in society, and insufficient workers.
What tactics did miners use during the 1972 strike?
Flying pickets and nationwide pressure that led to a fuel crisis.
What did the National Union of Miners achieve after 7 weeks of striking in 1972?
An improved pay offer from the National Coal Board.
What weakened the miners’ 1972 pay rise victory?
High inflation which reduced the real value of the raise.
What event made things worse in 1973, leading to further industrial action?
The global oil crisis.
What was the government’s drastic response to the 1974 miner strike and fuel shortage?
Imposed a 3-day working week to conserve energy.
