Bellow
we are republishing, with the permission of the author, an article by
Pat Reet, (an activist in Hoyland’s women’s support group during the
strike) originally published in 1986
The
key role played by women in the miners’ strike has been an inspiration
to working class women everywhere. Many of the myths concerning women
were smashed in the course of the strike. Far from being a drag on the
trade union, the Women’s Support Groups proved what an invaluable
weapon women could be. They gained the respect and admiration of
workers internationally not only for their achievements, but for the
enormous sacrifices they were prepared to make in one of the longest
and most bitter disputes ever waged.
Every
attempt by the Tories to demoralize, intimidate and even starve the
miners back to work only served to strengthen their determination
which, in turn, brought forth new initiatives to counter the attacks
and, in the process speeded up the radicalization that was occurring.
The attempt to starve miners back to work by reducing and even
abolishing benefit not only failed but led to the establishment of
kitchens and food parcel centres. These not only helped to alleviate
much of the hardship but, also, served to bring together many of the
strikers and their families who would otherwise have been isolated and
scattered, open to the lies and the distortions of the press and the
media. Instead, returning pickets were able to report straight from the
picket lines on what was happening. Many more strikers were drawn into
activity by this contact. The rallying together of the miners and their
families helped in the revival of the community spirit, raising morale
and passing on information to where help with problems could be
obtained.
Kitchens
were only a part of what women did during the strike and, when you look
at what a full role they played, you have to wonder where they found,
not only the time, but the energy. Fundraising was essential to keep
the kitchens going and women travelled everywhere and anywhere,
speaking at meetings, collecting outside factories and even on the
streets and markets, to ensure these funds continued.
The
invasion of their communities by the police and the use of paramilitary
tactics didn’t deter many women from picketing. Women were prepared to
run the same risks as the men and many were arrested in supporting the
strike.
Public speaking
Every
community, every group has its own stories to tell, enough to fill a
library, of how ordinary women achieved the near impossible again and
again. Each achievement added to their growing confidence leading in
turn to greater achievements. Some of the best public speakers during
the strike were women. Many surprising themselves at what they were
capable of doing.
A
young miners’ wife in Barnsley found herself in constant demand as a
speaker and, despite having had a baby at the start of the dispute, she
spoke constantly throughout the strike, raising money for the kitchen
in her own community. Her own mother, herself a miner’s wife, worked 5
days a week in the kitchen where, at times, 400 meals a day were
provided. Even the grandmother played a role by tipping rubbish onto
the gardens of known scabs. Sadly, the young miner himself was rewarded
with the sack. Despite this, when the young miner’s wife was asked
about the strike, she stated quite firmly that she would do it all
again.
Even
in the later stages of the strike, women’s groups were emerging, many
of whom had been opposed to the strike in the early days, but having
seen the issues distorted in the press had changed their views.
Variations
did however exist in many areas; some groups suffering difficulties
whilst others thrived. Throughout the strike there was an overwhelming
need for a National Delegate Conference to co-ordinate much of the work
and help iron out many of the problems that existed. Though many
welcomed the Conference called after the strike, one day proved to be
insufficient to put forward resolutions or have discussions and plan
for future action.
After
such intense activity and enormous effort by women during the strike,
it’s not surprising that many were disappointed at the NUM Conference
decision to reject associate membership. Not only would it have given
women the recognition they deserved for the role they played, but, it
would also have forged links between the WSGs and the NUM.
“The future is ours”
Many
other issues affecting women have yet to be fought. Cuts in education,
housing, transport and health just to name a few. Miners’ wives are not
exempt from these attacks and in the fights yet to come the involvement
of women with so much experience would strengthen the movement
enormously.
The
anger and bitterness many women feel at the attacks they and their
families have been subjected to has to be harnessed into the labour
movement. Women have proved what an invaluable force they can be. This
needs to be built on. It was a miner’s wife that perhaps best summed up
the way forward when she said: "history we inherit -the future is
ours". Women linked to the trade union and labour movement can ensure
that in the coming period these words can at last become a reality.
