Firefighter Strikes

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at how the history of strike action stretches beyond the First World War, often linked to economic fluxes and changing conditions. It examines U.K.strike patterns and policies throughout the twentieth century and provides an analysis of the firefighter strikes which took place in the latter half of 2002. It analyzes the current Government's relationship to this issue and how the various "independent bodies" are to seeking to resolve this issue. It also shows how the firefighter issues are particularly apt at present (2003) as the postal strikes continue.

From the Paper:

"In 1977, the Fire Brigades Unions (FBU)1 had never taken strike action; their leaders were right wing (conservative) and at that time opposed to strike over pay2. Labor was elected in 1974 on the back of the National Miners Strike, first led by Harold Wilson and then by James Callaghan. During 1977 the firefighters had no support from any left or right wing officials on the TUC general council and consequently the odds were stacked against them. However there also was an overwhelming vote for strike action. As a result of proletarian support for the strike there was a tidal wave of collections across the country in defense of the firefighters campaign. The right wing officials of the FBU and the TUC soon secured a return to work for the firefighters."

More papers on Firefighter Strikes:

• Research Paper # 54074 : "The 2003 U.K. Fire Service Strike"
• Analytical Essay # 132298 : "The Three Strikes Law and its Failure in the U.S."
• Argumentative Essay # 125518 : "Rejection of Three Strikes Laws"

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