15 - Industrial Relations And The Miners' Strike Flashcards
What was Heath determined to reform while in power? What Labour policy did he want to get one over on?
Industrial relations
White Paper
What was the problem with many strikes?
They were unofficial
Who did industrial power lie with over union leadership? How was industrial action quickly called?
Local shop stewards
Show of hands
What Act was passed to address control issues?
1971 Industrial Relations Act
What was the Industrial Relations Act designed to be a strong response to? Who resented the Act?
Growing industrial problems
The union movement
What Court was set up to judge the validity of strikes? What could unions face if they didn’t register or went on strike illegally?
National Industrial Relations Court
Face fines
What did trade unions refuse to register or co-operate with? What didn’t they acknowledge?
Industrial Relations Act
National Industrial Relations Court
Why was the Industrial Relations Act dropped?
It failed
What did the dropping of the Industrial Relations Act lead to in terms of competitive industrial relations?
A free-for-all
How many strikes took place in 1971? How many in 1973?
228
2,873
Why were strikes so severe in the 1970s?
Many working days were lost proportionally
What Union led the way in terms of threatening Heath’s government?
National Union of Miners (NUM)
What closures did the NUM face? Why?
Pit closures
Unprofitability
What did the NUM feel it was fighting for?
Workers’ livelihoods
When did the strike against closures of mines take place? What was blocked to prevent movement?
1972
Coal distribution centres
What 2 factors made the 1972 strike against closures successful?
Flying pickets and mass rallies
What did the miners’ see increase following their 1973 victory? How much did this rise?
Pay increase
21%
Why did miners return to strike again in 1973? What event did this coincide with?
Further pay demands
Oil crisis
What percentage of pay increase did miners reject in 1973? What ballot was also rejected?
13%
Permission for a national strike
What shortages were present in 1973? What did Heath respond with?
Fuel shortages
Three-day working week
What hours were shortened under the three-day week? What cuts did workers experience?
TV hours
Power cuts
What were people encouraged to share under the three-day week?
Baths/hot water
What did the three-day week suggest about Britain? What did some argue about production under these weeks?
They were in dire trouble
Production increased as there was less time
What would happen to Britain’s economy if there was no fuel?
It would be seriously weakened
When did Heath call for a general election? Under what basis?
February 1974
“Who governs Britain?”
What record were the Tories judged on in the 1974 election? What 2 factors were rising?
Economic record
Inflation and unemployment
How could the 1974 election be described? What was the only way Labour could rule?
Tight
In coalition with the 14 Liberal MPs
What problems did Wilson’s 2nd government inherit from Heath?
Industrial problems
