In article
,
Steve Firth wrote:
Trying to continue being that bread winner didn't do them much good, now,
did it - given the mines were all closed? They hoped in vain that toadying
up to Thatcher would cause her to look after them as individuals. Which of
course didn't happen. I wonder if they'd have done the same again with the
benefit of hindsight.

Bricks through your window on a daily basis tend to cause even strong
independent individuals to toe the line.

Probably thrown by Mail reporters to make a good story.

You may want to get your head out of the sand and smell the coffee from
time to time.

Of course there is appalling behaviour by union members. And appalling
behaviour by non union members too. And management. And ordained priests
who fiddle with little boys.

One swallow does not a summer make, as they say.

I have lots and lots of experience of unions and never once saw any
intimidation. Which is why I base my opinion that it was extremely rare -
despite what the press wanted you to believe - and you obviously fell for
that hook line and sinker.

As regards those not wanting to join a union where that union was well
represented in a workforce, it was most usually a case of free loading.
They knew they would get any benefits won by the union without having to
pay for it. Only a very very few had any genuine reasons for not wanting
to join. And those were treated with respect by the union members, again
in my experience.

--
*He's not dead - he's electroencephalographically challenged

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.