Ep 5. Power To The People

In the fifth episode of season two of Yes, Prime Minister titled Power To The People, the Prime Minister Sir Humphrey Appleby and his cabinet are struggling to manage the impact of a new trade union uprising. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (NURMTW) is threatening to halt all its transport services, putting the entire nation at a standstill. Sir Humphrey and his team are faced with the daunting task of finding a way to end the ongoing conflict between the government and the trade unions.

As the episode unfolds, the Prime Minister and his colleagues try to put together a plan to tackle the situation. Sir Humphrey suggests that they offer concessions to the union in order to avoid a total shutdown of public transport. However, the Minister of Transport, Jim Hacker, is not convinced that this is the right approach. He argues that the government should stand firm and refuse to negotiate with the union, as they are in a position of strength.

Meanwhile, the unions are gaining ground in the public opinion, and their influence is growing. Their charismatic leader, Arthur Wormley, is giving passionate speeches and gaining support from the people. As the conflict escalates, the government realizes they need to take action quickly before the situation spirals out of control.

The Minister of Labour, Bill Pritchard, comes up with an idea to address the union's demands in a way that benefits both parties. He suggests that the government grants the union more power to represent its members, giving them a greater say in the management of the transport industry. This idea is met with skepticism by Sir Humphrey and Hacker, who are afraid that giving the union more power will only make things worse.

Despite this, the government decides to move forward with Pritchard's plan. They offer the union a seat on the board of the National Railways, with the power to influence policy decisions. At first, the union is hesitant to accept the offer, as they are accustomed to confrontation rather than cooperation. However, Wormley recognizes that this could be an opportunity to make a real difference for his members, and he agrees.

In the end, the plan succeeds, and the crisis is averted. Sir Humphrey is secretly pleased with the outcome as it allows him to maintain his power and influence, but Hacker is left feeling like he has lost control of the situation. The episode ends with the Prime Minister realizing that he needs to learn to adapt to the changing political landscape and find new ways to tackle the challenges facing the country.

Power To The People is a thought-provoking episode that explores the complex relationship between government and the trade unions. It raises questions about the efficacy of traditional methods of negotiation and highlights the importance of compromise and creative thinking. The episode also touches on themes of power, influence, and public opinion, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in politics and current affairs.