Orgreave anniversary a reminder of the battles for union rights

Today marks the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of Orgreave, one of the defining moments in the history of the union movement where striking miners were beaten and arrested by police officers while peacefully protesting in Orgreave, Yorkshire.

Orgreave, on 18 June 1984, represents one of the most serious abuses of power by police and Thatcher government in this country’s industrial and trade union history, the truth of which has never been told or acknowledged by the state. A new report from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign will also be delivered to the Home Office and major political parties today.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Today’s anniversary, is a timely reminder of how the power of the state can be abused to attack workers.

“Unite is repeating its call for an independent inquiry into what happened at Orgreave, who gave the orders that day and the involvement of the highest levels of government - and we welcome that fact that these calls have now been reflected in the Labour manifesto.

“But we are also warning that anti-union laws like the legislation brought in by this government, alongside further laws preventing peaceful protest, leave open the door for future Orgreave-style abuses of state power.

“Any incoming government needs to commit to repealing all these draconian laws and restoring the rights of democratic unions and their members to drive up pay and conditions and protect vital industries from the sort of devastation wrought by Thatcher’s government.”