Fig 1: Colliery Deputy – Photo Credit – Selstonia Living Memory Project (2008-2011).

NACODS dispute

A potential strike by the National Association of Colliery Overmen and Deputies (NACODS) in late October 1984 brought further crisis to the coal industry. NACODS members were responsible for safety in coalmines and a strike would have brought the entire coalmining industry to a stand. The dispute was caused by a new NCB directive not to pay NACODS members if they didn’t cross NUM picket lines to supervise working miners. Previously, under agreement from the 1972 and 1974 NUM strike they were paid regardless of whether they crossed picket lines or not. 

This developed into a strike ballot on a number of issues including pit closures under the Modified Colliery Review Procedure, the ballot achieving a 82.5% majority for strike action. Eventually, agreement was reached at the eleventh hour and the NACODS strike was called off. 

Fig 2: All Out Threat – Notts Free Press, 26th September 1984. 

Fig 3: Pit shutdown threat recedes – Notts Free Press, 5th October 1984. 

Fig 4: What about the Workers – Notts Free Press, 19th October 1984. 

Fig 5: NCB advertisment in local newspapers just prior to the proposed NACODS strike planned to start on 25th October 1984. 

Fig 6: Carry On Working – Notts Free Press, 26th October 1984. 

Fig 7: NACODS Midlands Area commemorative plate. Photo Credit – David Amos

“There’s forced to be ill feeling if they (the working miners) are forced out after what they have gone through crossing picket lines”. Annesley NUM Branch Spokesman, Notts Free Press, 28th September 1984.

“The Board have told us if that if we want further talks we will have to go to them. I don’t think tht is very likely.” Eddie Lane, NACODS Midlands Area Official. Notts Free Press, 19th October 1984.