Pro UDM cartoon from The Nottinghamshire Miner, No.6, September 1985. Source: David Amos collection

UDM formation ballot: The pro and anti Campaign Trail

In September 1985, the former Nottingham and South Derbyshire Area’s of the NUM, plus the north-east based Colliery Trades and Allied Workers Union (CTAWA), announced an amalgamation ballot to form the Union of Democratic Mineworkers (UDM) would take place on 17th / 18th October 1985. Both prior and during the pre ballot period both ‘breakaway’ and ‘keep national’ propaganda appeared.

Minutes of Special Council Meeting, Union of Mineworkers Nottingham Area, 28th September 1985. Source: UDM Nottingham Section Minutes 1985, p.349-351. 

Notice to Members leaflet – UDM formation ballot. Source: David Amos collection. 

UDM Proposed Rules (Cover) – September 1985. Source: David Amos collection. 

Pro UDM stickers from September 1985. Source: David Amos collection. 

One Industry, One Union anti UDM flyer, September 1985. Source: David Amos collection

Cover of The Nottinghamshire Miner, No.6, September 1985. Source: David Amos collection 

Cover of The Notts Collier, Special Edition, September 1985. Source: David Amos collection. 

Anti UDM leaflet, September 1985. Source: David Amos collection 

Pro UDM leaflet by the Union of Mineworkers Nottingham Area, September 1985. Source: David Amos collection. 

Rules, Rule Changes and the NUM, anti UDM breakaway meeting flyer, 1st September 1985. Source: David Amos collection. 

Minutes of Meeting of Branch Officials and Committee Members, Union of Mineworkkers Nottingham Area, 7th October 1985. Source: UDM Nottingham Section Minutes 1985, p354-355.