2.3 Wilson and Trade Unions Flashcards
What was Wilson’s initial stance on trade unions during 1964-66?
Initially, Wilson was permissive and tolerant toward trade unions. He allowed a voluntary income policy and appointed Frank Cousins, a trade unionist, as the Minister of Technology.
What was the purpose of the 1965 Trade Disputes Act?
The 1965 Trade Disputes Act aimed to close a loophole discovered by unions in a previous act from 1906.
What events marked the shift in union-government relations during 1966-67?
There were a series of unofficial strikes between 1966 and 1968 that raised public concern about union power. The tipping point was the “Mad Friday” on December 6, 1968, which witnessed a massive run on the pound, causing widespread fears about British stability and even rumors of the Queen’s abdication.
Who was responsible for the ‘In Place of Strife’ proposal in 1969?
Barbara Castle introduced the ‘In Place of Strife’ White Paper and the subsequent Industrial Relations Bill in 1969, focusing on strengthening unions and introducing regulations into voluntary industrial relations.
What were the three main components of the ‘In Place of Strife’ proposal?
The proposal included a 28-day conciliation pause, enforced settlements in inter-union disputes, and mandated strike ballots to be legally binding.
Why did the proposal face significant opposition?
Despite attempting to garner support, the proposal faced division within the cabinet, notably from Callaghan. Additionally, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) overwhelmingly voted against it, leading to the humiliating withdrawal of the bill.
What challenge did the government face concerning its expertise in the field of science and technology?
The government lacked expertise in science and technology, hindering their efforts despite Wilson’s emphasis on these areas.
Who struggled with understanding their briefings due to a lack of scientific knowledge?
Roy Jenkins, the Minister of Aviation, later admitted that he did not fully understand his briefings because he lacked a scientific background.
Who succeeded Frank Cousins as the Minister of Technology, and did the department perform better under their leadership?
Tony Benn took over from Frank Cousins in 1966, and the department showed improvement under his leadership.
What significant technological development did Britain achieve despite its limitations in research and development?
Despite challenges, Britain managed to develop the supersonic plane Concorde; however, it struggled to compete with the USA due to the latter’s greater investment in research and development.
