Billy Elliot The 198485 Miner Strike Why did

Billy Elliot The 1984/85 Miner Strike

Why did the miners strike? n n They wanted higher wages (more money) Better working conditions

The strikes during the 1970 s n n It all started in 1970. It was not only coalminers but many different working groups who went on strike. In 1970 there were 7000 strikes in Britain. Because off all the strikes, Britain couldn’t get all the coal and electricity they needed. Therefore suggested the government a 3 -day working week to save the limited resources.

Britain in big financial troubles n n The 3 -day working week meant less money. It was cheaper to buy materials in other countries, and it meant high unemployment.

Margaret Thatcher n n In 1979 the Conservative Party was voted into power. Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime minister. Called “the Iron lady” because she was a tough leader. Disliked by many, because she made the gap between rich and poor wider.

Margaret Thatcher and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) n n Thatcher knew that a strike was on its way. Therefore collected she a great depot of coal, so the country had coal for a while. The NUM ordered a nation-wide coal strike in April 1984

The Miner Strike n n n The strike was lead by Arthur Scargill Pickets were sent to miners all over country to persuade the men there to stay away from work. Pickets are men who lead the strikes, and make sure that workers stay away from work.

Clashes between police and striking workers n n n During the summer it came to several clashes. It leaded to many injuries on both sides. The greatest battle was in Orgreave where 5. 000 workers and 5. 000 policemen were fighting.

The strike ends n n n When the Strike had lasted for about 6 months it began to bit. It was very hard for the striking workers not to get any money for half a year. Many people had sold all they owned, and lived without electricity and heat, and didn’t have money for food. Some people had to start working again (the so-called scabs). The NUM had to call off the strike March 3, 1985 The miners had lost, and during the years until today many coalminers had closed.