MINERS VOTE TO STRIKE

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33451, 5 February 1974, Page 1

MINERS VOTE TO STRIKE

if.\ 7 PA.-Reuttr—Copyright) LONDON. February 4. Britain’s 270.000 coal. , miners have voted by an overwhelming 81 per cent majority for a national strike to press their pay demands on the Govern, ment. Of more than 2,32,600 valid ballots cast, the “yes’’ vote was 188,39.3, and the ‘‘no’’ vote, 44,222. The four-to-one mandate for a strike increases ' the likelihood of a crippling stoppage in the coalfields, beginning next Sunday, unless a compromise solution is found in crucial meetings over the next few days. The result of the strike ballot, held in the coalfields last Thursday and Friday, gives the miners’ leaders the authority to call a strike, but does not automatically mean strike action. The decision to call a strike rests with the 27 members of the national executive of the National Union of mineworkers, who meet tomorrow' to consider the next move. The Prime Minister (Mr Heath) is due to have lastchance talks with Trades Union Congress leaders later today.