In July 1978, the Labour Government introduced a new guideline for pay rises of 5%. The TUC voted on 26 July to reject the limit and insist on a return to free collective bargaining. Although the government did not make the 5% limit a legal requirement, it decided to impose sanctions on government contractors who broke the limit.
On 22 January, 1979 public sector unions held a "Day of Action", in which they held a 24-hour strike and marched to demand a £60 per week minimum wage. Many workers stayed out indefinitely after that day. These are publicity materials produced by the Civil and Public Services Association for the campaign.
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