I‑ Strike Patterns
•
Level of conflict historically quite low
•
Largest strike in post‑war history, metal
workers in spring 1984 ‑
–
Made 1984 worst strike year in many
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Unions proposed 35‑hour week with no
pay cut ‑ designed to combat
unemployment
Level of conflict historically quite low
Short warning strikes typically not counted
Since these happen with some regularity, official conflict statistics understate the degree of conflict
Unions proposed 35‑hour week with no pay cut ‑ designed to combat unemployment
Government joined employers in opposition
Size and settlement
57,000 strikers, 147,000 locked out and > 300,000 laid off
Arbitrated settlement for 38 1/2 hour week