Union of Democratic Mineworkers - Definition and Overview

The Union of Democratic Mineworkers is a British trade union for coal miners, which is based in Nottinghamshire, England. It was established on the 11th December 1984 during the UK miners' strike (1984-1985) by miners who wished to defy the policy of the National Union of Mineworkers, and its leader, Arthur Scargill. In its defence, the UDM pointed to Scargill's refusal to call a ballot on strike action and to the widespread opposition to the strike which existed in Nottinghamshire. Outside its own area, however, the union was widely regarded as strike-breaking association and was greeted with hostility and resentment by the strikers.

The UDM was widely criticised in March 2004 after it was revealed that its top two officials received pay and benefits of over £150,000 each, despite membership having fallen to 1,431. The union's relationship to Vendside, a firm which specialises in obtaining compensation from the British Government for former miners suffering from mining-related ailments, has also been widely criticised.

External link

• The Guardian on UDM salaries (http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,,1159240,00.html)