Former Miners Return to the Picket Line as Museum Staff Strike Over Pay

Published: 23 August ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk. A report for the English Chronicle Online.

A unique scene unfolded this week outside the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield, where former miners from the 1980s strikes joined current staff on the picket line, highlighting a dispute over pay that has disrupted museum operations. Among those standing in solidarity was 87-year-old Arthur Scargill, former leader of the National Union of Mineworkers, who humorously remarked on the surreal nature of returning to a picket line decades after the historic strikes.

Russ Kear, 60, who began working as a miner at Sharlston colliery near Wakefield before moving through the Selby coalfield and later Kellingley, now serves as a guide at the museum. He described the museum staff as predominantly former miners, many of whom had previously walked out during the 1984–85 strike. Kear, who joined the pits alongside his father at the age of 16, recalled the hardships of that era, including the severe financial strain imposed by government measures and the community’s reliance on collective support through soup kitchens and welfare clubs. “It really brought the community together, but when the mines began closing, entire communities were destroyed,” he reflected.

While the current strike shares echoes of the past, the circumstances differ significantly. “Back then, you were up against a government with deep pockets and little chance of success,” Kear said. “This time, we hope our action will bring meaningful results, ensuring future workers have fair pay and sustainable employment.”

The dispute involves approximately 40 members of the Unison union, who are contesting the museum’s pay offer. Staff claim the latest proposal, which guarantees either a 5% rise or 80p an hour, whichever is higher, is lower than a previous offer they expected management to accept. Museum representatives argue that the revised offer represents a genuine increase and is competitive compared to pay rises in other public sectors, including schools, police, and museums.

The strike, set to continue until 14 September with further action planned if no agreement is reached, has temporarily suspended underground tours, though the remainder of the museum remains open. Christina McAnea, Unison general secretary, emphasised that striking is a last resort, expressing concern over what she described as an inadequate offer from the museum.

Despite the disruption, Kear expressed his personal reluctance to strike, citing his desire to focus on sharing the industrial heritage of the coalfields. “I don’t want to be doing this; I enjoy teaching people about our history. But when the income isn’t sufficient, sometimes action is necessary,” he said.

Museum officials reiterated their commitment to dialogue with union representatives and expressed hope that a resolution could be reached, emphasising the financial pressures faced by the charitable organisation, which relies heavily on donations and external funding.

The strike has brought renewed attention to both the legacy of Britain’s coal mining past and the contemporary challenges of maintaining fair pay and sustainable employment for those preserving that history.