Irish Examiner view: What will Winter of Discontent bring this time around?

Today's crisis cannot be ignored

Margaret Thatcher outside 10 Downing Street following her election as British prime minister in May 1979. Picture: PA

Officially, Britain’s Winter of Discontent started in November 1978 and lasted through to February 1979 and was characterised by private and later public sector trades unions that wreaked havoc the length and breadth of the country.

At issue was the 5% pay increase limit set by Jim Callaghan’s Labour government in an attempt to control rampant inflation. This was a time when unions were screaming for pay increases so their members’ wages packets could at least keep up with the cost of living.