100 years of strikes and solidarity

How did trade unionists and communities work together during the biggest strikes of the 20th century? Can we apply those principles today?

Strikes have often been sustained by people who aren’t members of the union that called them. From today’s Birmingham bin strikes and Lancashire teachers strikes to the Women Against Pit Closures (WAPC) in the 1980s and non-unionised workers in the 1926 General Strike, community activists have played varied and vital roles during significant moments of industrial action.

Learn more about historic and contemporary attempts to build solidarity between communities and striking workers. Discover how and why these connections have emerged.

Explore rare archival collections at People’s History Museum, including materials dating back to the 1926 General Strike. Hear from trade unionists involved in ongoing disputes who have successfully mobilised communities and discuss how the lessons of these historic and contemporary campaigns can be applied today.

1.00pm - 2.15pm: Researcher Dan Edmonds will introduce attendees to items from PHM’s collection which evidence how community activists supported the 1926 General Strike and 1984 to 1985 Miners’ Strike.

There will be a chance for reflection on the relevance of these collections today.

2.15pm - 2.45pm: Break.

2.45pm - 4.15pm: Striking refuse workers from Birmingham and teachers from Lancashire will join the session to discuss how they have mobilised community support during their ongoing disputes.

There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Part of PHM’s programme of activity exploring the history of strikes and solidarity.

Dan Edmonds
Dan is a researcher working on an Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project called Inclusive Histories based out of Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL). Through the project, learning resources and case studies are being developed that can be used to teach a more inclusive British political history GCSE that centres marginalised voices.

• If you require British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation please contact [email protected] or 0161 838 9190).
• Suitable for 16+ (under 18s must have an accompanying adult).

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