Justice – what Justice?

This government has betrayed our victimised brothers while announcing to the world that they have now made a fair and just settlement on the Pensions issue. NO THEY HAVE NOT. Many of the sacked men, a lot of whom have been so effectively victimised that they have not worked for TWENTY years, have now received an additional 5 years pension credits, a paltry amount. They were promised time and again by "Labour" politicians that they would be properly compensated when Labour came to power. Several of the men have been refused even this paltry settlement although their cases are being put into an appeal process by the N.U.M. Among the refusals are some of the most deserving cases.

The Mineworkers Pension Scheme is being systematically milked by the Government to the tune of many, many MILLIONS of pounds. This may be legal but it certainly isn't moral. How long now before we are told that the Miners' pension Scheme is facing a shortfall? Whilst the Justice Campaign has been fighting since 1985 for our victimised men the politicians, both Tory and "Labour", have been busy dipping into the Mineworkers Pension Scheme on a scale that makes Robert Maxwell look like a petty pickpocket in comparison.

Obituary – Pete Turner (1/5/1935 - 24/12/2003)

Pete was very widely known and respected across the whole trades union movement but he had a very special place in the hearts of many members of the mining industry. He played a vital role in the Trades Council Movement in the London area and was actively involved in supporting the 84/8 5 strike. However he continued to work very closely with us in fighting for Justice for our victimised members from the earliest days of our organsation.

He was instrumental in fund raising over many years and in 1992/93 he supported our fight against pit closures, organising many visits from London to several of the women's pit camps. Two years ago when our organisation held a three day vigil at Downing Street, in support of our fight for justice, Pete not only arranged accommodation for us to have a break but he also spent many long and very cold hours on our line.

Pete spent many years in the building trade and one of his areas of concern was the danger of working with asbestos. It is a sad irony that his untimely and very painful death was due to asbestosis. He must have carried a fragment of this dangerous mineral in his body for many years. I was privileged to know Pete Turner for some 20 years and I shall miss him – not just as a wonderful and committed comrade but also as a highly valued friend. Rest In Peace mate.