#MineWorkers hashtag - Bluesky

3 weeks ago

UK Coal Miners Bring down Conservative Government On this day, 6 March 1974, UK coal miners called off their four-week strike after accepting a 35% pay offer in a massive victory, which had already brought down the Conservative government. The Conservatives had introduced regulation to limit pay increases to 7%, at a time when inflation was between 9 and 10%, and miners' basic pay was unable to cover the cost of living without adding considerable overtime hours. In November miners launched an overtime ban, after which the government implemented a three day week, restricting the functioning of industry and introducing rolling power cuts, in order to conserve coal to be able to withstand a potential strike. The government offered a pay increase of 16.5%, but this was rejected by the miners. When the National Union of Mineworkers launched a ballot for strike action, the Conservatives called a general election under the slogan "Who governs the country?" Meaning was that the government, or the unions. After the strike began, the Conservatives then lost the election, and the pay board recommended a 29% pay increase. The new Labour government agreed to implement a deal equating to a 35% increase, and the strike ended. The Trades Union Congress promised the government that it would not support strikes by other workers to achieve similar pay increases, and that union leaders would use their influence to reduce workers' pay demands. Learn more about the dispute in our podcast episode 81: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e81-miners-strikes-1972-4/

📣 New Podcast! "UK Coal Miners Bring down Conservative Government" on @Spreaker #1970s_uk #1974_british #1974_edward #britain_national #coal #crisis #day #election #energy #heath #labor #miners #mineworkers #movement #of #strike #strike_three #uk #union #week

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Gwynoro

@gwynoro.bsky.social

3 months ago

Pensions boost for Welsh mineworkers Former mineworkers are receiving on average an extra £100 to their weekly pension payment from today. The first 41% payment boost follows the Chancellor’s Budget announcement that the UK Government ha...

Pensions boost for former #mineworkers

nation.cymru/news/pension...

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All Namibian News

@namibiannews.bsky.social

8 months ago

Mineworkers to receive retirement support Justicia Shipena Mineworkers will soon benefit from a new Retirement Incentive Benefit, set to take effect on 1 August 2025. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) announced the initiative during its second regional roundtable discussion in Oranjemund, ǁKaras Region. The benefit will be available to members who are at least 60 years old and have been with MUN for a minimum of five years. MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the initiative fulfils a resolution passed at the 2010 Congress and is part of the union’s efforts to recognise long-serving members. The roundtable brought together union leaders, members, and experts from various sectors to address workers’ challenges in the country’s mining and related industries. MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana emphasised the importance of engaging with members to understand their concerns. “With close to 10,000 members, it is vital that we come closer to our members and see the issues they face in their daily lives,” he said. ǁKaras regional chairperson Allen Kalumbu expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the roundtable, emphasising the significance of giving members a voice. He also urged Natangwe Ithete, the minister of industry, mines, and energy, to engage directly with workers in the region to ensure their concerns are addressed at the highest government levels. The event also saw the launch of the MUN member benefits app in partnership with myGateway. The platform provides access to discounts at selected retailers. During the roundtable, MUN leadership engaged in open-floor sessions and discussions on key issues affecting members. Topics included ongoing initiatives and updates on programs designed to improve workers’ livelihoods. MUN assistant general secretary Paulus Situmba shared details about Namit Trust’s funeral cover benefits, which offers up to N$10 000 to a member’s family in the event of death. Members of the southern region welcomed the opportunity to engage with the leadership. The branch information and publicity officer at Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine, Martin Mareka, praised MUN’s commitment to directly addressing members’ concerns. Gabriel Abraham, education coordinator at NAMDED, emphasised the importance of the union as the “voice of the voiceless,” dedicated to securing equitable benefits for all workers. Ezegiel Tjirare, a long-serving member, found the event motivating and enlightening, especially for those who may not fully understand the responsibilities of union leadership.

#Mineworkers #RetirementSupport #Namibia #LaborUnion #WorkersRights

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Andrew Northall

@andrewnorthall.bsky.social

9 months ago

Gordon McLennan, left, Communist Party candidate for St Pancras, with Mick McGahey, Vice President, National Union of Mineworkers, Executive Member, Communist Party of Great Britain. 25 February 1974

#CPGB #McGahey #MickMcGahey #StPancras #Election #Candidate #NUM #Mineworkers #CommunistParty