On this day, 1 January 1974, the UK Conservative government implemented the three-day week to save electricity, the generation of which had been severely restricted by industrial action by coalminers. An overtime ban by miners seeking a 35% pay increase had slashed production, and they launched an all out strike in February. All non-essential businesses were limited to 3 consecutive days’ consumption, and television had to stop broadcasting at 10:30 PM. The miners ended up bringing down the government and winning their pay increase.
Pictured: Miners on the overtime ban in Mansfield, January 1974 https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/1888918441293297/?type=3