The National Union of Mineworkers is a unique organisation in that it still has a federal structure, which is comprised of area unions covering the length and breadth of Britain.

From Scotland to South Wales the NUM still represents miners, past and present, working and retired, as well as supporting wherever we can their extended families.

The Union has been highly successful in representing miners who suffered greatly from chest diseases and other injuries caused by the negligence of coal industry employers.

In respect of bronchitis and emphysema the Union's tireless efforts led to the biggest common law damages claim in history compensating thousands of miners and their families and making sure that those suffering from, and in many cases dying from, the consequences of terrible diseases and accidents received some justice for their suffering by way of compensation. We have been instrumental in getting osteoarthritis of the knee for miners recognised as an industrial disease and claims can be made through the DWP.

National Secretary Chris Kitchen