The Miners' Strike of 1972

Question 1

Why was a strike called?

Answer 1

In 1972, in a joint bid to increase wages and to highlight pit closures, the NUM, led by Arthur Scargill, called a strike, during which it used flying pickets to disrupt the movement of coal around the country

Question 2

What did it disrupt?

Answer 2

• Fuel and electricity and considerably reduced industrial production.

Question 3

What happened by 9th February 1972?

Answer 3

• The government called a state of emergency as schools were closed and 1.2 million workers laid off and ‘three day week’ was introduced

Question 4

What was set up?

Answer 4

• The Wilberforce Commission to examine the miners’ demands
• The Commission came down on the side of the ministers and the NUM leader, Joe Gromley, was able to negotiate a generous pay settlement (21% pay rise for miners)