UK’s ‘Winter of Discontent’ - a podcast by BBC World Service

In 1979, British public sector workers went on strike over pay. Among those taking industrial action were gravediggers.

But the media, politicians and even their own families turned against them at the thought of bodies being left unburied.

Claire Bowes spoke to the gravediggers’ convener Ian Lowes in 2011.

(Photo: Protestors during the 'Winter of Discontent'. Credit: Getty Images)

Further episodes of Witness History

Further podcasts by BBC World Service

Website of BBC World Service