May 12, 1926
The General Strike in the United Kingdom ends after nine days.
London, United Kingdom | Trades Union Congress
The General Strike of 1926 in the United Kingdom was a significant industrial action that lasted from May 4 to May 12, 1926. It was called by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in support of coal miners who were facing wage reductions and deteriorating working conditions. The strike was a pivotal moment in British labor history, highlighting the tensions between workers and the government during the interwar period.
Economic Context: The post-World War I era saw economic difficulties in Britain, with declining industries and rising unemployment. The coal industry, in particular, was struggling due to falling coal prices and increased competition from foreign markets.
Miners’ Plight: By 1925, mine owners proposed wage reductions and longer working hours for miners to maintain profitability. The miners, represented by the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain (MFGB), resisted these changes.
Government Intervention: In July 1925, known as “Red Friday,” the government provided a temporary subsidy to maintain miners’ wages, delaying the crisis. However, this was a short-term solution, and by April 1926, the subsidy ended without a resolution.
Call to Action: On May 1, 1926, the TUC announced a general strike to begin on May 4, involving workers from various industries, including transport, printing, and steel, to support the miners.
Scale and Impact: Approximately 1.7 million workers participated, bringing many sectors to a standstill. The strike demonstrated the solidarity among different labor groups and the organizational capacity of the TUC.
Government Response: The government, led by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, was well-prepared, having established the Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies to keep essential services running. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was used to communicate government messages, and the media largely portrayed the strike negatively.
Negotiations and Pressure: Throughout the strike, there were attempts at negotiation, but the government remained firm against the demands. The TUC faced increasing pressure as the strike’s economic impact grew and public support waned.
End of the Strike: On May 12, 1926, the TUC called off the strike without achieving its objectives for the miners. The decision was partly due to the lack of a clear strategy for a prolonged strike and the realization of the potential for severe repercussions.
Miners’ Struggle Continues: The miners continued their strike until November 1926 but eventually returned to work with reduced wages and longer hours, marking a significant defeat for the labor movement.
Long-term Effects: The General Strike had lasting implications for industrial relations in Britain. It led to the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act of 1927, which restricted the power of unions and made general strikes illegal.
Historical Significance: The strike highlighted the deep economic and social divisions of the time and underscored the need for reforms in labor relations. It remains a key event in the history of British labor movements, symbolizing both the potential and limitations of collective action.
The General Strike of 1926 was a defining moment in British history, reflecting the complex interplay between labor, industry, and government during a period of economic hardship.
Source: en.wikipedia.org