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The NUM is still here and still fighting for workers and their families
The work of the National Union of Mineworkers remains vital for former mineworkers and their communities, writes the union’s general secretary CHRIS KITCHEN
Two NUM men about to start a shift at the Kiverton Park colliery, pictured in 1984

WHILE the NUM has a long history, playing its part in gaining improvements in safety, terms and conditions for its members, it has also had to contend with what is nothing short of acts of industrial vandalism by successive Tory governments.

While many believe pit closures were a result of the 1984-85 strike, I believe it was also a retaliation for the successful strikes of 1972 and 1974.

There are many examples of how the coalmining industry and the people who worked in it have been victimised, and the circumstances prevailing at the time manipulated to bring about the demise of the industry and decimation of our mining communities.

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