|
|
|
|
|
Three-day WeekIn 1973, the Three-Day Week was a policy instituted by the Conservative government of Ted Heath in response to a long-running energy crisis, only part of which was global. Throughout the early 1970s, particularly in 1972 and 1973, the British economy was troubled by high rates of inflation, which had caused unrest amongst trade unions in that wages were struggling to keep pace. This extended to most industries, most notably an industry where the union was dominant - coal mining. By the middle of 1973, the National Union of Mineworkers had encouraged their members to work to rule - as a result, coal stocks slowly dwindled. The global effect of the 1973 oil crisis also drove up the price of coal. Following the introduction of petrol rationing, the Heath government entered into negotiations with the NUM, to no avail. Fearing that oil and coal stocks would run out, with no feasible alternative, in December Heath introduced the "Three-Day Work Order", more commonly known as the Three-Day Week, to come into force on 31 December. Industrial production would be limited to three days instead of the usual five, in an effort to reduce electricity usage. Heath's objective was business continuity - survival. Rather than risk a total shutdown, working time was reduced with the intent of prolonging the life of available fuel stocks. The policy came to an end in February 1974, at which point Heath called a general election, the first of two held that year.
|
 |
|
| Copyright 2005-2009 OnPedia.com. All Rights Reserved |
|
|