National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is a major trade union in the United Kingdom, representing miners and other workers in the coal mining industry. The union has a long and complex history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century and associations with key figures such as Keir Hardie and Ramsay MacDonald. The NUM has been affiliated with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and has worked closely with other unions, including the National Union of Railwaymen and the Transport and General Workers' Union. The union's activities have been influenced by significant events, including the General Strike of 1926 and the UK miners' strike (1984-1985).

● History

The history of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is closely tied to the development of the coal mining industry in the United Kingdom. The union was formed in 1945, following the merger of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain and other smaller unions, with key support from Clement Attlee and the Labour Party. The NUM's early years were marked by significant industrial action, including the UK miners' strike (1972) and the UK miners' strike (1974), which were influenced by the Oil price shock and the Three-Day Week. The union's leadership, including figures such as Joe Gormley and Arthur Scargill, played a crucial role in shaping the union's response to these challenges, often in collaboration with other unions, including the Amalgamated Engineering Union and the Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union.

● Structure and Governance

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is a democratic organization, with a structure that includes a national executive committee, regional councils, and local branches, similar to those of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians and the University and College Union. The union's headquarters are located in Sheffield, and it has regional offices throughout the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The NUM is affiliated with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and works closely with other unions, including the GMB and the Unite the Union, to promote the interests of its members, often through joint initiatives with organizations such as the Institute of Employment Rights and the Trades Union Congress.

● Industrial Action and Disputes

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has been involved in several significant industrial disputes throughout its history, including the UK miners' strike (1984-1985), which was one of the most bitter and divisive industrial disputes in British history, with key involvement from Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative Party. The strike was sparked by the Conservative government's plans to close unprofitable coal mines and was marked by widespread picketing, clashes between miners and police, and significant support from other unions, including the National Union of Seamen and the Fire Brigades Union. The NUM has also been involved in other industrial disputes, including the Pit closure programme and the Coal miners' strike of 1992, which were influenced by the Maastricht Treaty and the European Union.

● Political Influence and Affiliations

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has significant political influence and affiliations, particularly with the Labour Party, which has been shaped by key figures such as Tony Benn and Neil Kinnock. The union has been a major donor to the Labour Party and has played a key role in shaping the party's policies on energy and industry, often in collaboration with other unions, including the Communication Workers Union and the Public and Commercial Services Union. The NUM has also worked closely with other organizations, including the Co-operative Party and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association, to promote the interests of its members and to campaign on issues such as climate change and sustainable energy, with key involvement from Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.

● Notable Figures and Leadership

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has been led by several notable figures throughout its history, including Joe Gormley, Arthur Scargill, and Ian Lavery, who have played a crucial role in shaping the union's policies and activities, often in collaboration with other key figures, including Ken Livingstone and Dennis Skinner. The union's leadership has been marked by significant challenges, including the UK miners' strike (1984-1985) and the Pit closure programme, which were influenced by the European Coal and Steel Community and the International Energy Agency. The NUM has also been influenced by other notable figures, including Keir Hardie, Ramsay MacDonald, and Clement Attlee, who have shaped the union's history and development, often through their involvement with organizations such as the Fabian Society and the Trade Union Congress.