Union power takes hospital to the cleaners

A look back at stories from the Peterborough Telegraph archives – some sad, some happy, some serious, some funny

Back in the 1970s trade unions held much power and stories of industrial disputes and strike action were commonplace.

Peterborough was no exception and the front page story of the ET on Saturday, June 22, 1974 told how five men on a work-to-rule were causing disruption to three hospitals.

The men, all members of NALGO, were refusing to carry out repairs to laundry equipment and vehicles in a bid to get a better pay deal.

Peterborough District Hospital and two others in the area were forced to employ private firms to do its laundry.

John Fawcett, chairman of the local NALGO branch warned: “We have great power at our elbow. We control mechanical, electrical and power units.’’

The men were providing an emergency service.