Rally to support striking mining museum workers in Wakefield this weekend
Ex-pit workers, members of the public and unions are to show their support for striking workers at the National Coal Mining Museum at a major rally being staged in Wakefield this weekend, UNISON has announced today (Tuesday).
They will gather at the city's cathedral on Saturday, December 6, in a show of solidarity for staff who have been on a continuous walkout since mid-August as they campaign for a fair pay rise.
A number of speakers will address the demonstration, including striking worker Eric Richardson, a former miner who took part in the national miners’ strike four decades ago.
Other confirmed speakers include the leader of Wakefield Council Denise Jeffery, Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth Jon Trickett and the North East, Yorkshire & the Humber regional secretary for the TUC Dave Pike.
UNISON says the event will further demonstrate how the leadership of the National Coal Mining Museum has ‘lost the confidence of staff’ – that can only be restored by resolving the dispute as a ‘matter of urgency’.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Rianne Hooley said: “This strike is about fair pay for workers at the museum.
"But it’s also about protecting the history of coal mining, which is a central part of this country’s heritage and particularly in West Yorkshire.
“This dispute has gone on for too long, and it needs to be sorted.
"This demonstration will further highlight to senior figures responsible for this mess that their behaviour has been completely unacceptable.”
A statement on behalf of the National Coal Mining Museum, said: ““The charity fully supports the right to lawfully picket and protest.
"However, we are disappointed that the numerous pay offers made by the museum over the past three months have been rejected.
"Like many charities, we are facing significant financial pressures. Any pay agreement must safeguard the museum’s future, ensuring we can continue to share the vital story of coal mining for generations to come.
“Our hope is to reach a fair resolution and bring an end to the current industrial action as soon as possible.”