K. Bankes (Opinion, August 4) is trying to rewrite history by recycling the myths of Thatcherism. During the "Winter of Discontent" in 1978-9, the Callaghan government dug its own political grave by trying to impose a wholly unrealistic pay policy.
The idea the unions were somehow "running the country" in the Seventies is preposterous. If only it had been true - they could have made a better job of it.
For every well-organised workplace there were hundreds more where unions had little or no influence. Here employers got away with whatever they could simply because they could, as they do today. Then, as now, there was low pay, long hours and unhealthy working conditions.
By strengthening the hand of the employing class, Thatcherism and its legacy have worsened these abuses and made them even more widespread.
-P D Jackson, Byron Street, Hove
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