This Tuesday, Leeds’ Hyde Park Picture House held a panel after the showing of “Iron Ladies”, a documentary about the many women involved in the “Women against pit closures” movement.
Source: Lewis Gomersall | All Rights ReservedThe panellists included Lorraine Stansby (a member of “Barnsley women against pit closures” and an interviewee in the documentary), Jane Aitchison (president of the Leeds Trade Union Council), and Denise Carr (Leeds Unison Branch Chair).
Source: Lewis Gomersall | All Rights ReservedThe documentary, directed by Daniel Draper, included footage from the 1984-1985 strikes across England during the coal mine closures. It was centred around the women from the “women against pit closures” movement and their continuous actions during the strikes, and on into the current day where they still organise events and protest for better women’ s and workers’ rights.
Source: Lewis Gomersall | All Rights ReservedLorraine Stansby said at the panel “I was really proud to be part of that movement, and I’m still proud to be part of it now”. Lorraine spoke about how she led her first strike when she was just 15 years old at school, and the importance of joining a union, “If you’re not in a union, join one.” Lorraine said on multiple occasions.
Source: Lewis Gomersall | All Rights ReservedSpeaking on the importance of joining a union, Jane Aitchison said: “What we find is that young workers are the most super-exploited. Particularly when you’re in very precarious work, where you’re on a zero hour contract […] It’s even more important to join a union”