Member-only story

Britain, West Germany, and Sweden: European Trade Unions and the 1970s Economic Crisis

Simon Mitchell

·15.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Unions And Economic Crisis: Britain West Germany And Sweden (European Trade Unions And The 1970s Economic Crisis 2)

4 min read

508 View Claps

53 Respond

Save

Listen

The 1970s was a period of economic turmoil for the industrialized world. The oil crisis of 1973 led to a sharp increase in energy prices, which in turn triggered a recession. Unemployment rose, inflation soared, and economic growth slowed. In this context, trade unions played a significant role in shaping the economic policies of Britain, West Germany, and Sweden.

Trade Unions in Britain

In Britain, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was a powerful force in the 1970s. The TUC represented over 10 million workers and had a strong voice in government. During the economic crisis, the TUC called for government intervention to protect jobs and living standards. The TUC also supported the Labour Party, which came to power in 1974.

Unions and Economic Crisis: Britain West Germany and Sweden (European Trade Unions and the 1970s Economic Crisis 2)

Unions and Economic Crisis: Britain, West Germany and Sweden (European Trade Unions and the 1970s Economic Crisis Book 2)

by Alexandre Maral

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4333 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	390 pages

The Labour government introduced a number of policies that were designed to help workers, including a minimum wage, increased unemployment benefits, and a shorter working week. The government also nationalized a number of industries, including the coal industry and the railways.

However, the Labour government's policies were not always popular with the TUC. The TUC opposed the government's austerity measures, which were designed to reduce inflation. The TUC also criticized the government's decision to join the European Economic Community (EEC).

Trade Unions in West Germany

In West Germany, the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) was the largest trade union confederation. The DGB represented over 9 million workers and had a close relationship with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). During the economic crisis, the DGB called for government intervention to protect jobs and living standards.

The SPD government introduced a number of policies that were designed to help workers, including a minimum wage, increased unemployment benefits, and a shorter working week. The government also nationalized a number of industries, including the steel industry and the energy industry.

However, the SPD government's policies were not always popular with the DGB. The DGB opposed the government's austerity measures, which were designed to reduce inflation. The DGB also criticized the government's decision to join the European Monetary System (EMS).

Trade Unions in Sweden

In Sweden, the Landsorganisationen i Sverige (LO) was the largest trade union confederation. The LO represented over 2 million workers and had a close relationship with the Social Democratic Party (SAP). During the economic crisis, the LO called for government intervention to protect jobs and living standards.

The SAP government introduced a number of policies that were designed to help workers, including a minimum wage, increased unemployment benefits, and a shorter working week. The government also nationalized a number of industries, including the banking industry and the insurance industry.

However, the SAP government's policies were not always popular with the LO. The LO opposed the government's austerity measures, which were designed to reduce inflation. The LO also criticized the government's decision to join the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Trade unions played a significant role in shaping the economic policies of Britain, West Germany, and Sweden during the economic crisis of the 1970s. Trade unions called for government intervention to protect jobs and living standards. Trade unions also opposed austerity measures and criticized the decision to join the EEC, EMS, and EFTA.

The role of trade unions in the 1970s economic crisis is a complex one. Trade unions were not always successful in achieving their goals. However, trade unions did play a significant role in mitigating the effects of the crisis on workers.

Unions and Economic Crisis: Britain, West Germany and Sweden (European Trade Unions and the 1970s Economic Crisis Book 2)

by Alexandre Maral

5 out of 5