Ulster Workers’ Council strike collapses Sunningdale executive (indirect)

The Ulster Workers' Council Strike

In 1974, the Ulster Workers' Council (UWC) strike led to the collapse of the power-sharing executive proposed by the Sunningdale Agreement.

The Strike

The UWC, a coalition of loyalist paramilitary groups and trade unions, called a general strike in protest of the Sunningdale Agreement. The strike brought Northern Ireland to a standstill, with power cuts and a lack of public services.

The Collapse of the Executive

The strike led to the collapse of the power-sharing executive, as the unionist members of the executive resigned in response to the strike. This effectively ended the Sunningdale Agreement and led to a return to direct rule from London.

Timeline of events related to the UWC strike and the Sunningdale Agreement
Year Event
1973 Sunningdale Agreement
1974 UWC strike and collapse of power-sharing executive

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