General Strike 100 - in photos

Hundreds of people marched through Barnsley yesterday (May 2) to mark the 100th anniversary of the General Strike and show solidarity with workers currently in dispute.

The colourful parade of banners snaked from Glass Works Square to the NUM building, was led by the stirring sounds of the Tweit Silver Band.

Earlier in the day crowds gathered at Barnsley Civic to hear a fascinating series of talks about the General Strike and Miners Lockout by leading historians and check out Unite Community member Les Monaghan’s exhibition – “Voice Of The People”. 

The march ended at the NUM hall, which was standing room only for some inspirational speeches from trade union leaders, including Unite general secretary Sharon Graham and Alan Mardghum, general secretary, Durham Miners’ Association who were followed by songs of solidarity from Commoners Choir and Barnsley Caring Voices.

For those with the energy the event went on into the night with live music and performances at Vault 27 with a General Strike 100 gig.

People had traveled from across the country to be part of this important Unite commemoration of those who stood up for workers during the General Strike in 1926, and they certainly had a day to remember.

The day was not just about looking back, but also about looking forward. The trade union movement today is as important as it was 100 years ago and, as the Unite general secretary, said, “We should never forget that the real power of the labour movement is workers and activists.”

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Mark Thomas