Worker’s Rights 1918-1984 Flashcards
What happened to coal mines in 1918
They were nationalised during WWI, but they were returned back private owners.
Demand in coal fell
Mines were closed down, and only the efficient mines were kept open
People became unemployed
Factory owners began using machinery.
Why were mines and coal less popular
As other countries such as Germany and Poland had mines which had better technology, newer, more efficient and produced cheaper coal.
No one was investing in mines, and people were losing jobs
What was the emergency act 1920
Allowed the government to prevent trade unions from starting strikes during a time of crisis in order to deliver ‘essential needs for life
What happened on Black Friday 1921
1921
Coal prices fell
Mine owners announced extended work days and lower wages
Miners decided to strike
TUC called for a strike in unity, but the dockers and railway pulled out
They had no support, so they had to return back to work
They had to work for lower wages and longer hours
Red Friday 1925
Prices in coal fell again
So work hours increased and wages decreased
The PM Baldwin he was scared of a revolution, and agreed to subsidise the coal industry.
Set up Samuel’s commission to negotiate with miners
Baldwin was preparing for the inevitable general strike, but miners were happu
What happened during 1926
The subsidies ran out
TUC (trade union congress) called a general strike.
Ships weren’t moved, trains weren’t moved.
What was the general strike like
Started off peaceful, police and people even played football matches
Gradually turned more violent, with clashes between police and strikers
Strikers threw stones
TUC ended the strike after failed negotiations with mine owners and governments
Miners left on their own to go back to work
What happened in 1984
Another strike
Miners became part of communities which supported miners families
Miners forced to work and gained nothing
Consequences of the failure of the great strike
500,000 people withdrew from the unions.
Trade unions were viewed to be weak
Trade unions were marginalised
Miner’s strike
1984
