1 The 1970s
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John Shepherd
Abstract
This chapter examines the causes, character and impact of the 'winter of discontent' in British politics, particularly the strikes of 1978-79 and the role of the government in managing industrial relations. The immediate origins of the 'winter of discontent' can be located in the breakdown of Labour's social contract with the unions. The Grunwick dispute had significant implications for British industrial relations. And secondly, there was the first official national strike by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), from 14 November 1977 to 16 January 1978. In 1976, owing to a major sterling crisis, the James Callaghan government had been forced to negotiate a £2.3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC, to defend the British pound. The IMF's terms demanded extensive cuts in government public expenditure, especially in health, housing and education.
Abstract
This chapter examines the causes, character and impact of the 'winter of discontent' in British politics, particularly the strikes of 1978-79 and the role of the government in managing industrial relations. The immediate origins of the 'winter of discontent' can be located in the breakdown of Labour's social contract with the unions. The Grunwick dispute had significant implications for British industrial relations. And secondly, there was the first official national strike by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), from 14 November 1977 to 16 January 1978. In 1976, owing to a major sterling crisis, the James Callaghan government had been forced to negotiate a £2.3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC, to defend the British pound. The IMF's terms demanded extensive cuts in government public expenditure, especially in health, housing and education.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of illustrations viii
- Acknowledgements ix
- List of abbreviations xii
- 1 The 1970s 1
- 2 Election deferred and the collapse of the social contract 18
- 3 The Ford strike, 1978 38
- 4 The oil tanker drivers’ dispute and the road hauliers’ strike 59
- 5 Public sector strikes 82
- 6 Media coverage 108
- 7 The Conservative Party and the ‘winter of discontent’ 130
- 8 Political aftermath 147
- 9 In conclusion 168
- ‘Winter of discontent’, 1978–79 176
- Bibliography 179
- Index 196
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of illustrations viii
- Acknowledgements ix
- List of abbreviations xii
- 1 The 1970s 1
- 2 Election deferred and the collapse of the social contract 18
- 3 The Ford strike, 1978 38
- 4 The oil tanker drivers’ dispute and the road hauliers’ strike 59
- 5 Public sector strikes 82
- 6 Media coverage 108
- 7 The Conservative Party and the ‘winter of discontent’ 130
- 8 Political aftermath 147
- 9 In conclusion 168
- ‘Winter of discontent’, 1978–79 176
- Bibliography 179
- Index 196
