THE General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) has announced a new partnership with workers’ theatre and music company Banner Theatre.

The union group, which represents 600,000 members is working with the troupe to launch their latest project, Battle Lines, at Young Members’ Development Weekend today, linking the historic struggles of the miners’ strike in 1984 to modern conflicts.

It will feature songs and videos from striking Amazon workers and creative union battles in the global south, such as the farmers’ struggle in India, which delivered the biggest general strike in trade union history. 

GFTU general secretary Gawain Little commented: “We were founded on the principles of solidarity and unity in action. 

“This show demonstrates these values in practice, connecting struggles across a 40-year time frame and educating a new generation about trade union struggle through the medium of real working-class voices and original music and lyrics.

“For us, this is a crucial part of our mission to promote working class arts and culture.”