More than 200,000 people have arrived in County Durham for the 140th Durham Miners' Gala, described by Trades Union Congress General Secretary Paul Nowak as a "celebration of working-class unity" that is "more important than ever".
Event draws global trade unionists
Trade unionists from across the world are gathering in the Durham Coalfield to mark the occasion, known as the 'Big Meeting'. The event this year carries the slogan: 'The past we inherit, the future we build', with organisers emphasising a 'shared responsibility' to work together for a more inclusive society.
Paul Nowak said: “Durham Miners’ Gala is a huge celebration of working-class unity, which is more important than ever. Our country feels more polarised now than at any recent time in memory, but history shows that when working people pull together they can achieve real change.”
Recent legislative wins highlighted
Nowak pointed to the Employment Rights Act, passed this year, as an example of what collective action can achieve. He said: "This year alone we have won the Employment Rights Act, an historic piece of legislation that will mean more job security, sick pay for all, paid from the first day you fall ill, stronger protections against unfair dismissal, a new right to bereavement leave, and improvements to parental leave."
He stressed that these gains were not handed down but "achieved through years of hard work, campaigning and lobbying by working people and their unions all around the country."
Call for unity amid division
Nowak warned against forces that seek to divide working people: "There are those determined to talk down Britain, and this great region and to try and divide us. But we must not get sucked into their zero-sum game. We must continue to fight for a better future together. Unity works!"
A new North East-based 'Unity Works' campaign video will be shown on the big screen at the Racecourse ahead of platform speeches. Veterans of the 1984 miners' strike will participate, and international solidarity is represented by delegates from Sweden, Spain, Italy, Poland, Norway, Australia, and other nations.
140th anniversary event details
The 140th Durham Miners' Gala continues to serve as a platform for working-class solidarity and political expression. Organisers encourage attendees to visit the Friends of Durham Miners' Gala website for more information on future involvement.
