Comments on: The myth of the 1970s

By: Keith Heaven

Keith Heaven — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 22:30:38 +0000

I remember the 1970’s as a time of hope and defeat. The so-called “all-powerful” Unions seemed very reluctant to launch widespread actions that might have achieved a significant effect . I recall different unions in different sectors taking their own actions at different times. This just had the effect of creating local problems for short periods . After one union took action , then running out of steam or settling, another would pop up with another strike of its own. This gave the impression of “one thing after another” which may linger as a memory of constant conflict. But there was little co-ordination, so the labour movement did not give the impression of being a powerful ally for working-class people wanting to defend their living standards.
Instead, there just seemed to be a series of relatively weak actions by self-interested groups.
Far from being “too powerful”, the unions were chronically weak, successfully stirring up Right-Wing hostility, but failing to provide a Left- Wing pole of attraction.

By: Chris Rivers

Chris Rivers — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:02:45 +0000

NB: the general election was in May 1979 not March. A pedantic point maybe – but etched into the memory of all that came to despise Thatcher and the Tories.

By: Chris Rivers

Chris Rivers — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:00:50 +0000

Sadly, this article completely misses the point about the winter of discontent. It minimises issues that angered many including Labour supporters: to say “grave diggers at two cemeteries (one in Liverpool and one in London) took unofficial strike action. These actions lasted for a few weeks, during which bodies that would have been buried in those cemeteries were kept on ice. In all other cemeteries across the UK the dead were buried as usual” fails to recognise this was unacceptable action. The rubbish bags were piled high in streets – that was a highly visible ubiquitous message that the government was failing. I was there – and a Labour supporter and public service trade unionist – at the time.

By: John Medhurst

John Medhurst — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 12:22:07 +0000

Stuart

I do. I hope you enjoy the book.

John

By: Stuart Holland

Stuart Holland — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:52:31 +0000

John
This looks like a very good and welcome book. But presumably in it, rather than in a brief summary, you mention the OPEC oil price increases of September 1973 which were the main cause of inflation from then through the mid 70s?
SH

By: Anastasia ALURA

Anastasia ALURA — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:41:33 +0000

Thank you for this article. I will definitely buy the book next year. I am well read on the subject already, but you have all those essential building block facts that make the picture so much clearer, and a pure pleasure to read. I shall go to Housmans in Kings Cross for a talk, and get the book at the same time. I have 4 on the go at the moment.

I, really, think this is essential reading for all, especially, for some of the young networking graduates I see at political meetings. They sound like left-wing versions of Nigel Farage and his followers, spouting one sound bite after another. Great respect for all of those that organised and ran Spark Workshops.

By: Ross Paton

Ross Paton — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 14:50:45 +0000

I remember well being left wing in a conservative rural environment at the time and how difficult it was to try and argue with people. The most common one was “huh.. I wish I was earning half what these guys are asking for” and “having a strike to support a commie shop steward (Red Robbo) . Bloody ridiculous.”

Also my Dad, who was a socialist, wanted the unions to support the pay restraint Callaghan was asking for (5%). He could see what was coming. Imagine getting 5% now!

I can’t help but lok at Germany where Trade Unions play a constructive role in industry and government and where the standard of living is much higher (in spite of having a “right wing” chancellor who looks like a Social Democrat from thisa country).

Then there was Mick McGaghy ( a great man) who I saw at a rally promising to overthrow Thatcher not long after she was elected. As If!

It has been a long dissillusioning time since 1979 and I do actually think too many union leaders had fantasies about overthrowing capitalism. Working class people didn’t really want that it it still amazes me to this day how difficult it was to persuade working class people to take a Left perspective. As John Mortimer said ” Thatcher’s genius was to recognise the innate conservatism of the Working Class. That is my Middle Class view”

Certainly the press didn’t find it very difficult to get Thatcher into power.

I personally didn’t find it a difficult time except pol.itically. But then I’m midle class! :)