| Description | Tracks 1 - 5 Events at Saltley Gate
Tracks 6 - 9 Background Information
Tracks 10 - 12 Events at Saltley
Tracks 13 - 14 Background Information
Tracks 15 - 16 Events at Saltlley
Charles Parker interviewed a number of miners from Fern Hill Colliery in South Wales and Woolley Colliery in Yorkshire (unspecified dates). Not all miners have been identified, but recordings include Mog Evans, Godfrey Smith, Dai Clement & Philip Stanton from Fern Hill and Ken Morton & Allan Cook from Woolley.
These recordings provide background information on the mining industry, over a period of years. Industrial relation issues are considered, including the Fern Hill strike of 1948 or 1949, 1950s pit closures and unofficial strikes in 1970 & 1971.
Working conditions in collieries are described, as is the camaraderie amongst miners. The impact at Fern Hill of pneumoconiosis and the failure to attract younger workers is considered, and the antiquated working practices in the colliery are desribed (Tracks 6,7,8). The impact of the National Power Loading Agreement on miners and the NUM is considered (Tracks 14,15).
South Wales NUM activity in Southampton during the 1972 national strike is described, including support received from King Alfred's College in the city (Tracks 12, 13). Miners from Woolley describe their experiences of picketing around England during the 1972 strike, including the NUM decision to withdraw them from the University of Essex after fears of trouble (Track 15).
The experiences of miners from Fern Hill and Woolley on picket duty at Saltley Gate are described. Police tactics and picket actions are discussed, and miners' hostility to strike breakers is revealed (a racist comment is recorded on Track 19). Miners' appreciation of working class solidarity with them is also shown, including support from the Star (Socialist) Club (Tracks 5,16) and women (Tracks 4, 18) and Birmingham Trades Council (Track 1). A Woolley miner's experience of being arrested whilst on picket duty is described (Track 20). Media bias in reporting disturbances at Saltley Gate is recorded (Track 19). Arthur Scragill's role in organising Yorkshire miners to picket Saltley is noted (Track 16).
Total: 1 hour 2:36 minutes
Dubber's reference number: PLA2of2 KF534B0279780 |