OGF,
As a union member since 1957 I can safely say that the unions had it coming to them. Their leaders tried to use their power to manipulate the UK economy in the hope of destroying the post war recovery and introducing a left-wing socialist/communist government in the aftermath. They, together with Labour Party members and others who returned from visits to the Soviet Union with tales of "how good it was over there" were traitors and treasonists.
Don't forget that Margaret Thatcher, in her trade union reforms, denied employers the right to re-employ strike breakers during the first three months of a dispute.
Finally, a union is its members - if they will not stand together and take concerted action then nothing the union officers and national executive do will achieve victory in a salary & conditions dispute.
ogseminole, may I suggest deletion?
[This message has been edited by Basil (edited 06 May 2001).]