the concordat: an analysis

The demand of the trade unions and the TUC in September 1978 for an orderly return to responsible free collective bargaining was translated into action by the unfettered use of the strike weapon. It was exercised by the stop stewards at local levels to support demands for wage increases ranging from ten to fifty per cent. It belied order and responsibility. It belied economic sense in a climate when inflation had been reduced to single figures but productivity was around two per cent. The disruption to national life and the economic loss sustained by the country caused the Government and the TUC to pose the question, what is to be done? Since the TUC has no powers of control over its member unions, although it can exercise exhortation, it seemed the time was ripe for a joint declaration. This was issued in Feb. 1979 and considered by the General Council of the TUC. The nineteen page document is inelegantly called ‘The Economy, the Government and Trade Union Responsibilities’. As might be expected, it is a mixture of general observations, particular advice to the trade unions, and a powerful belief in the efficacy of the close and constructive partnership of the TUC and the Government.