Video: How the mighty miners’ union was reduced to just 100 paying members

THE National Union of Mineworkers will be left with just 100 paying members after Kellingley closes, leaving it a shadow of the once powerful organisation of years gone by.
Flashback to the Battle of Orgreave in 1984, when NUM members clashed with policeFlashback to the Battle of Orgreave in 1984, when NUM members clashed with police
Flashback to the Battle of Orgreave in 1984, when NUM members clashed with police

The union used to have more than half a million members, holding a series of national strikes in a bid to keep pits open and win better pay and conditions, led by some of the most influential trade unionists of their generation such as Joe Gormley and Arthur Scargill.

But the industry has collapsed after years of closures, which will be completed on Friday when the final shifts are worked at the Yorkshire mine.

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Chris Kitchen, general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, told the Press Association it was a “sad day” for the country as well as the industry.

He is one of just 12 members of staff left employed by the NUM, some part-time.

The union also employs staff at centres in Scotland and Dorset which offer holidays for former miners.

The NUM still operates in areas where pits have long closed, and organises the increasingly popular Durham Miners Gala every summer.

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The union says on its website that it is still “alive and kicking”, representing miners, their families and their communities, as well as being active industrially and politically.

Flashback to the Battle of Orgreave in 1984, when NUM members clashed with policeFlashback to the Battle of Orgreave in 1984, when NUM members clashed with police
Flashback to the Battle of Orgreave in 1984, when NUM members clashed with police

But 30 years after the start of the year-long miners’ strike, the union is left with a membership which would have seemed outlandishly low, even a few years ago.

Mr Kitchen argues that the NUM’s demise could be seen as a sign of its success because it was prepared to fight for the coal industry and its members, in the face of fierce opposition from governments.