NUM - 'picketing miners were like a brotherhood'
VICE president of the National Union of Miners (NUM) Keith Stanely was heavily involved in the strike that divided a nation 25 years ago.
He told the Guardian: "We decided to strike because the union was not prepared to accept a pit closure programme set up by the Tory Government."
He added: "And we were to oppose any pit closures as long as there was still coal at those pits."
Mr Stanley added that the picketing men formed a strong bond during the year of action and supported each other throughout.
"The miners stuck together, it was like a brotherhood because they were the minority and were fighting for the same thing. The only money the lads had coming in was what they earned from going out on picket duty, which was very little."
He added: "Everybody had financial difficulties, but the massive support we received globally made a big difference."
"The NUM's policy is still to fight to expand the coal industry and now we are down to the bare bones - we only have six pits left in the entire country."
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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