British civil servants march after talks fail

June 9, 1981

Britain's half million civil servants intensified disruptive action because of a pay deadlock. Workers in many government computer centers and welfare offices staged walkouts, marches, and rallies after the collapse of talks with Lord Soames, A Cabinet minister.

The 13-week-old dispute, which has disrupted airports, defense bases, and customs and tax offices, is over a 15 percent claim. The government has refus ed to exceed 7 percent because of its anti-inflation policy.