Industrial Relations + The Miners Strike

• Heath was determined to reform industrial relations while in power. He wanted to get one over on the Labour policy of White Paper.
• The problem with many strikes was that they were unofficial.
• Industrial power lied with local shop stewards over union leadership. Industrial action was quickly called with a show of hands.
• The 1971 Industrial Relations Act was passed to address control issues.
• The Industrial Relations Act was designed to be a strong response to growing industrial problems. The union movement resented the Act.
• The National Industrial Relations Court was set up to judge the validity of strikes. Unions could face fines if they didn't register or went on strike illegally.
• Trade unions refused to register or co-operate with the Industrial Relations Act. They didn't acknowledge the National Industrial Relations Court.
• The Industrial Relations Act dropped because it failed.
• The dropping of the Industrial Relations Act led to a free-for-all in terms of competitive industrial relations.
• 228 strikes took place in 1971. 2,873 in 1973.
• Strikes were so severe in the 1970s because many working days were lost proportionally.
• The National Union of Miners (NUM) led the way in terms of threatening Heath's government.
• The NUM faced pit closures because of unprofitability.
• The NUM felt it was fighting for workers' livelihoods.
• The strike against closures of mines took place in 1972. Coal distribution centres were blocked to prevent movement.
• Flying pickets and mass rallies made the 1972 strike against closures successful.
• Miners saw their pay increase following their 1973 victory. It rose 21%.
• Miners returned to strike again in 1973 because of further pay demands. This coincided with the oil crisis.
• A 13% pay increase was rejected by miners in 1973. A ballot asking for permission for a national strike was also rejected.
• Fuel shortages were present in 1973. Heath responded with the three-day working week.
• TV hours were shortened under the three-day week. Workers experienced power cuts.
• People were encouraged to share baths and hot water under the three-day week.
• The three-day week suggested that Britain was in dire trouble. Some argued that production increased during these weeks as there was less time.
• Britain's economy would be seriously weakened if there was no fuel.
• Heath called for a general election in February 1974. Under the basis of "Who governs Britain?".
• The Tories were judged on their economic record in the February 1974 election. Inflation and unemployment were rising.
• The February 1974 election could be described as tight. The only way Labour could rule was in coalition with the 14 Liberal MPs.
• Wilson's 2nd government inherited industrial problems from Heath.