NUM, which stands for National Union of Mineworkers, is a trade union based in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1945 and primarily represents workers in the mining industry.
The NUM played a significant role in the mining industry during the 20th century, particularly in the coal mining regions of the UK. At its peak in the 1970s, the union had over 200,000 members, making it one of the largest and most powerful trade unions in the country. Its members were involved in numerous strikes and industrial actions to fight for better working conditions, higher wages, and job security.
The most notable event associated with the NUM is the 1984-1985 miners’ strike, which was a year-long struggle against the government’s plans to close uneconomical coal mines. The strike was highly contentious and led to significant social and political divisions in the UK. Despite widespread support from other trade unions and the public, the strike eventually ended in defeat for the NUM, with many mines being closed and the union’s influence in the industry greatly diminished.
Since then, the membership of the NUM has declined significantly. The privatization of the coal industry and the closure of many mines resulted in a dramatic decrease in employment opportunities for miners, leading to a decline in union membership. Additionally, the shift towards renewable energy sources and the global trend of reducing reliance on fossil fuels further impacted the demand for coal and, consequently, the union’s membership base.
It is important to note that the information provided here is based on historical knowledge, and there may have been changes or developments in NUM membership beyond my knowledge cutoff date. To obtain the most up-to-date information about NUM membership and its current activities, I recommend referring to reliable sources or reaching out directly to the union itself.
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