THE largest trade union demonstration ‘for many years’ is set to take place in Barnsley tomorrow.

Unite the Union and the National Union of Mineworkers are organising a series of events in Barnsley to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1926 General Strike.

Barnsley Trades Union Council (BTUC) is supporting and helping to build the celebrations.

George Arthur, BTUC secretary, said: “Barnsley is still suffering from the economic crisis caused by our pit closures in the 1990s when 20,000 jobs were lost locally.

“Many miners were still suffering the cost of the year long strike 1984 to 1985.

“But in 1926 miners across the country faced an employers’ offensive.

“Miners were told to accept longer working hours and a cut in pay.

“They chose to fight, came out on strike and were supported by workers in other industries as the TUC called a General Strike.

“The slogan of the strike was ‘Not a minute on the day, not a penny off the pay’.

“Unfortunately it was called off after nine days in spite of increasing support.

“The miners fought on alone for another nine months on strike and then had to concede to the employers’ demands.

“One hundred years later we see trade unions slowly rebuilding their strength after the defeats of the Thatcher years.

“I’m pleased that on Saturday we can show that Barnsley is a union town.”

A host of events will begin with breakfast at Barnsley Civic from 10am to 12.30pm followed by a rally in the Glass Works Square at 1pm.

Members of the group were also in attendance outside the town hall on Tuesday to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.