2.3) The Collapse of the Post War Boom
The recession of 1921 brought mass unemployment and unleashed a shop owners' counter attack.
They denounced the minimum wage levels set by the Industrial Court 'for pricing workers out of jobs' and refused to pay the rates. Wage cuts were imposed everywhere by both private employers and the Co-operative Movement. Many were met by strike action.
Under the pressure of poor trading conditions the voluntary 6 pm closing agreement broke down and working hours increased in many shops.
Mass unemployment caused a sharp drop in Union membership which, together with the payment of unemployment benefit to so many members, almost caused NUDAW to go bankrupt.
During the General Strike of 1926 both the NAUSAW&C and NUDAW supported the miners. NUDAW was part of the 'Triple Alliance' of mining, steel and transport unions, playing a very active role.
About 10,000 of the Union's members were out during the strike - two thirds of them transport workers. Thousands were subsequently victimised because of their participation.
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