ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the shift of the Yorkshire miners from the right to the left. The political environment is a crucial influence on internal politics. Much internal conflict has been over wages and frequent incomes policies have therefore contributed to this unrest. The basis of the Yorkshire Area, of any union, is the membership, but the supreme government is the Area Council. Between 1947 and 1973 the Yorkshire Area’s political process was dominated by the political and industrial right wing. In Yorkshire the right’s dominance was buttressed by a number of procedural devices; for example, a three months rule was used by the Area Executive to keep unpalatable matters off the agenda. Nationalisation introduced a new dimension into industrial politics. The National Union of Mineworkers accepted a commitment to ensure the success of ‘their’ industry. The Area Union has always been aware of the dangers of the panel system.
