se to 20%, days lost through strikes increased and unofficial strikes increased (Gunnigle et al, 1995). Although this may seem that this type of collective bargaining had a bad social influence, it must be noted that the OPEC recessions of the 1970's would have had been a contributing factor to all of the above. In 1987 the government, trade unions and the FUE negotiated the PNR. Other than the provisions for pay increases, social issues were taken into consideration: 'The programme was to cover the period up to the end of 1990 and entailed the following provisions: -The creation of a fiscal, exchange and monetary climate conducive to economic growth. This included a commitment that the ration of debt to GNP should be reduced to between 5 and 7 percent; -movement towards greater equity and fairness in the tax system -measures to generate employment opportunities -Reduction of social inequalities" (Gunnigle et al, 1995; 191..192) Overall the PNR proved to be a successful venture, although it was helped along by the boom period of the late 80's. There was substantial economic growth, a reduction in the debt to GNP ratio and a decline in strike levels (Gunnigle et al, 1995). The PESP contained similar, but widened social commitments to the PNR. While not as entirely successful as the PNR, the PESP had its positive social influences in the form of low interest rates and low inflation, in spite of the recession of the early 1990's. Industrial peace also continued throughout this period. The PCW, like the two programmes before it, focused on social issues in increasing strength. As this programme is still running, we can say little about its success or otherwise, other than to say that there is still relative industrial peace, sustained economic growth and low inflation and interest rates. In the above discussions on the three programmes, I have only considered the more obvious social benefits, i.e.. those which the programmes set out to achi...
