Remember closed shop tyranny?

Published: 2 April 2010

I REMEMBER the Miners’ Strike of 1984-1985 vividly.

I would ask John Church (Our defeat paved way for today’s ills, Review, March 12) why they didn’t call a ballot.

The areas that did voted against striking. I also remember the way Arthur Scargill’s men terrorised the working miners.

To me, picketing is bullying. 

Those who use violence and intimidation in political or industrial disputes should be met with the maximum force and minimum delay. 

Then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s greatest achievement was in putting the trade unions in their place. And keeping them there.

I remember the tyranny of the closed shop and the way ministers kow-towed to the arrogance of union bullies. 

It also seems to me that closing pits saved lives as well as costing jobs. 

Unemployed ex-miners are at least free from diseases like pneumoconiosis.

Mark Taha

Address supplied, SE26