definition of a serious offence.
'It was nothing,' said the Scotsman, "to do with the law of the land. Rather it was an act regarded as a serious act by the Board itself.?
Such 'serious acts' are clear from the sacking of Bilston Glen branch secretary Jackie Aitchison, pit at which half the NUM worked throughout the Jackie was sacked for failing to wear a safety helmet Board property. The line around Bilston entrance had beer repainted. Bilston's six permitted pickets found that they had always stood had now been defined as Coal Board property They refused to move WiCH spot.
The statistics of the sackings — read victimisations — in Scotland are great indeed. Wales, with double the number of Huers (20,000) has had fewer than a quarter of those dismissed in Scotland.
Sackings continuing. The total to date is 240 and rising.
SO far include three delegates, plus at least two branch chairpersons, four branch secretaries, and a treasurThe number sacked who were on strike com mittees is 'very high' according to NUM lead. ers.
John Henderson NUM lawyer, commented on the growing number.
There is a pattern emerging whịch •doe! not bear any relationship any offence committed. Indeed there have been men sacked who have not committed any offence.
point is that we have had Mr Wheeler director) saying these dismissals are for serious offences, while at the same time Sherriffs refusing legal aid because they It does appear that the area director of the NCB using all this as opportunity to get rid of what he sees as militants - this is a golden oppornever happen again.' Scottish coalfield, breach of the peace obstruction Cella the main convictions of the miners.
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National Coal Board in Scotland have a new