Thatcher's industrial relations Flashcards
What was Thatcher’s view on industrial relations? (3)
Existing laws were abused to entice workers to join unions
union power made British firms uncompetitive
more jobs would become free once industry adjusted
What was the Employment Act of 1980?
increased rights of workers who refused to join unions
What was the 1982 Employment Act?
anyone sacked for not joining union entitled to high rates of compensation
What was the Trade Union Act of 1984?
required unions to hold secret ballots for members before launching industrial action
1 reasons why strike action decreased?
high levels of unemployment - workers less ready to sacrifice job
When was the Miner’s strike held?
1984-5
What made the Miners’ strike occur?
National coal board loss of £250m - government didn’t believe in funding loss-making nationalised industries so a pit closure programme began
3 ways in which government prepared for strikes?
Whitehall committee set up to organise stock of coal to last dispute
Central Electricity Committee built large stock ups of coal in power stations
Home Secretary set up National Reporting Centre to ensure full police control
3 reasons why the Miners were defeated?
they were not united
labour party didn’t support NUM leader
government was prepared to help those who wanted to work
What was the impact of the strike?
Trade unions were left bankrupt and Thatcher gained more support from her supporters
