On this day in 1982 (16th June) miners in the South Wales collieries went out on strike in solidarity with NHS workers who were campaigning for a 12% pay rise. For several years prior the inflation rate had been running at 12% or above and the miners felt they were involved in a similar battle with the Conservative government over pay negotiations.
The pay demands continued throughout the summer and in September the TUC organised a “Defend the NHS” rally and Day of Action. With the intervention of ACAS an agreement was eventually reached later in the year.
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