Striking back : State-union conflict during the Muldoon years : A dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)

Abstract

This dissertation examines New Zealand politics and union conflict between 1968 and 1980. It is focused on trade unions, Sir Robert Muldoon; key members of National cabinet and on key persons in the trade union movement. This work uses specific disputes as case studies and examples.

New Zealand had changing economic conditions at end of the1960's with the end of the post-war 'long boom' and the beginnings of an economic recession. The state's role in recession year economics is questioned in this thesis with particular emphasis on the efficacy of Muldoon's interventionist economic policies during an economic recession.

Marxist and neo-Marxist theories are applied to theories of the state's role in economic management. It is argued that the New Zealand state during the 1970's was an inadequate provider of capital friendly conditions. The government was in conflict between its need to provide returns on capital and its social responsibilities. The role of unions in influencing the political process is examined as are governmental attempts to have unions divorced from the political process and divested of political power. The National Party's use of punitive industrial relations legislation is examined. The actions of militant and non militant New Zealand unions in protest situations are discussed with a particular focus on the 'general strike' of 1979.