The strengths and weaknesses of the picketing law

In 1972, three national strikes received a wide coverage on television, radio and in the press. They were the miners' dispute, followed by the docks' industry dispute, and finally the national building industry strike. While much attention was directed to the respective claims which were lodged, a further aspect arising out of those strikes provoked a great deal of controversy. This related to the unlawful behaviour of a number of pickets who had taken up their stances outside various industrial establishments. It appears that at some locations, clashes had taken place between police and pickets, resulting in the arrest and charging of a substantial number of workmen. Figures show that at least 263 pickets were arrested in England and Wales during the course of the miners' strike.