Strikes, stagflation, prawn cocktails and leftie rock bands - some observers see these as a sure sign that the late noughties is beginning to resemble the 1970s, a decade that saw Britain become the sick man of Europe with an economy as buoyant as the Titanic and trade unions flexing more muscles than a Mr Universe competition in a hall of mirrors.
Further proof that we are going back to the future comes today at the Glastonbury festival when GMB regional secretary Paul "Macca" McCarthy introduces five Liverpool rock bands at the trade union sponsored Left Field stage. God, are we really back to the decade that brought us glitter, punk, 30% inflation and rock hard footballers?
Well it can be denied that there are similarities, especially as regards industrial relations and rising prices and the increased power of trade unions. But it's really being talked up by columnists and business writers who after all need something to rattle on about. What cannot be denied though is that unions suddenly find themselves in a stronger position than, arguably, before Mrs T came along and took their toys away.
Why? The Labour party is stony broke and relies more than ever on union funding so will be more amenable to requests from the brothers. Also inflation is on the march and pay rises in the public sector are below official rates of inflation let alone the personal ones that are affecting the HM's subjects as oil and food prices rip. That puts some members in the mood for a dispute.
Otherwise there is much that is different. Trade union powers are far fewer than in the 1970s, membership is far lower, and it's inconceivable that union leaders would embark on the lengthy strikes that were seen back then. But inflation is rising and unemployment will surely also surge in the months ahead.
More worryingly - well if you don't like agitpop - leftie bands are ready to twang once more. "Macca" McCarthy will introduce, on to the Left Field stage, "a heady mix of music, politics and campaigning," featuring none other than the socialasaurus himself Tony "Rock Steady" Benn. Friday will see Miscarriages of Justice as hosts with Paddy Hill, from the Birmingham Six, MCing, as I believe it's called.
All it needs is Billy Bragg to give it that Stiff records feel - sure enough, the old class warbler closes Left Field on Saturday.
Don't be surprised to see 1970s' union icon Red Robbo pushing a hostess trolley bearing black forest gateau and Blue Nun on stage. They say if you can remember the 60s you weren't there. Well if you can remember the 70s expect a call from an economist.
Comments (1)
Well, Life on Mars took us back to 1973 quite successfully so it's probably time to revive the rest of the decade and all it had to offer. One correction I have to make is that Billy Bragg wasn't on the Stiff label (and most of his best known stuff came out in the following decade). The infamous Stiff Lives tour brought us the likes of Elvis Costello, the late, great Ian Dury and Reckless Eric. And while we are on the subjects of music, strikes and the 1970s, there has to be some sort of mention of the Strawbs' Part of the Union, which came out in 1973. Difficult to imagine anyone getting a hit iTunes download out of that sort of thing these days.
Posted by Mark Crail | July 2, 2008 1:12 PM
Posted on July 2, 2008 13:12