Build-up to 1972
Edward Heath’s Conservative Party was elected into office in 1970, with an Industrial Relations Bill designed to curb the power of organised labour a key feature of their manifesto. A worsening economic downturn, coupled with this combative stance, contributed to an intense period of industrial unrest, with workers from various sectors – from dockers to builders, teachers to postal workers – striking for better pay and conditions during the Heath years.
In October 1970, the NUM balloted its members for strike action over wages. While a majority of 55.5% were in favour, this fell short of the two-thirds majority required by the union’s constitution. Nevertheless, the south Wales Area – where 83% had vote in favour – alongside some other Areas, went out on strike for a few weeks in November.
At its National Conference in 1971, the NUM adopted a significant constitutional change that brought the required majority for strike action down from 66% to 55%. In the same year, a sharp increase in the price of oil served to highlight the continued importance of domestic coal production in the British economy, boosting miners’ resolve to seek better wages and job security in the industry. Climbing rates of inflation also entailed rises in the cost of living, further intensifying the significance of the wage dispute.
"What frustrated us at local level at that time was the fact that when a ballot vote was taken on whether or not we were prepared to take strike action in order to get what wage increase we thought we deserved, even though we were getting a majority in the ballot for that action, because our constitution within the NUM at that time said that it needed two thirds of a majority before strike action could be taken, you had this frustration in the men also. They thought well we’ve got the majority, most of the miners are prepared to demand higher wages for the job they’re doing and as a result, of course, of the unofficial stoppages of 1969 and 1970, we had the change of rule in 1971 which brought about the stoppage of 1972..." - Terry Thomas, former Lodge Secretary Brynlliw Colliery
The government’s official subsistence level was £18 a week, but the net basic pay of surface and underground workers in the industry had already fallen below this threshold. The NUM laid out its wage demands at its 1971 National Conference – calling for minimum rates of £26 (surface workers), £28 (underground) and £35 (for NPLA workers). When the National Coal Board – following the government’s incomes policy – refused to consider these demands, the NUM balloted its members for strike action. Overall, 58.8% voted in favour; with south Wales voting 65.5% in favour.
