Arthur Scargill commented, “Who would have thought we’d be doing this again?” as he stood in support of the former coalminers picketing outside the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield. Staff at the museum, many of whom are former coalminers, have gone on strike over a pay dispute, and were joined by Scargill, the 87-year-old former leader of the National Union of Mineworkers.
Russ Kear, a 60-year-old former miner and guide at the museum, explained that nearly all of the museum’s staff are former miners and many are veterans of the ‘84-’85 strike. He said that it was a tough time then, as the Tory government quickly passed laws that stopped his mother from claiming benefits and left their family without income. The community came together to open soup kitchens, providing for those affected.
Kear feels that the current strike is different than the one in the ’80s. He said that this time, the union’s action could be successful. Kear also indicated that he does not want to be striking, but feels it is necessary for the security of their working years.
There is a disagreement between the Unison union and the museum’s management over pay. Unison says that the existing offer is less than their proposed deal, while the museum calls it an increased offer. The strike, which will run until September 14, has caused the suspension of underground tours.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/23/miners-from-1980s-strikes-return-to-picket-line-at-mining-museum
