The Union of Democratic Mineworkers (UDM) was a British trade union for coal miners based in Nottinghamshire, England, established in 1985,[1] following the 1984–85 miners' strike, when the Nottinghamshire Area of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) was involved in a number of disputes with the National Executive Committee that led to a split from the NUM. In ballots on joining with Nottinghamshire in a new union, the South Derbyshire Area of the NUM voted in favour by 51% and the Colliery Workers and Allied Trades Association by almost 100%.[4]
For many NUM supporters and Scargill loyalists the UDM was and remains to be known as a "scab" union due their split for the NUM, return to work and cooperation with the Thatcher government.[6]
The UDM was widely criticised in 2004 after it was revealed that its top two officials received pay and benefits of over £150,000 each, despite membership having fallen to 1,431.[7] In 2012, former president Neil Greatrex was found guilty of fraud from a miners' welfare fund.[8]
^ abAmos, David (December 2011). "THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE MINERS', THE UNION OF DEMOCRATIC MINEWORKERS AND THE 1984-85 MINERS STRIKE: SCABS OR SCAPEGOATS?"(PDF). University of Nottingham. p. 12. Retrieved 19 July 2015. The Nottingham Area NUM broke from the national union on 6 July 1985 following a ballot of Nottinghamshire NUM members held in May 1985. During the autumn of 1985 moves were made which resulted in the formation of the UDM, the union receiving certification on 6 December 1985.
