Mining injustice is just one of many
■ IT’S no surprise coal chiefs tried to suppress legitimate claims for miners who suffered breathing difficulties as a result of their job.
I saw it first hand as my father, who had 40-plus years of service, tried in vain to claim before he died of cancer. He went to several tribunals, only to have stumbling blocks thrown at him.
As an ex-miner myself, I fought his claim when Labour made it possible for family members to act on a miner’s behalf, and added emphysema and bronchitis to the list.
I only got half the amount as he worked half his time in private mines. He never got to enjoy this money because of a callous Tory Government who stymied the miners at every opportunity.
Brian Scully, Wigan
■ I worked down the pit for 34 years and nearly 20 years ago British Coal paid me less than £300 for my chest condition. Over the years since, my breathing has got progressively worse, and I was diagnosed with COPD 10 years ago.
I have tried to reclaim, but was told because I accepted the small amount while I was still working down the pit I have no grounds. British Coal and the government knew exactly what they where doing. They knew there would be devastating long-term effects and I fell for it hook line and sinker, along with thousands of others. Roger Grant Thurnscoe, South Yorks
■ The callous tactics of coal bosses and government to delay paying out compensation to miners with lung diseases proves once again it is a case of money before humanity.
Many pitmen died before their families got compensation, if they did get a payout at all. So, after a working life spent slogging at the coalface this is the thanks they got. It needs looking into further.
G Shaw, Macclesfield, Cheshire
■ The delaying tactics of heartless pit bosses designed to rob dying miners of their lawful compensation illustrates the utter contempt of the establishment for working class people. But injustices like this aren’t new. Working people have always been forced to fight for their rights, from the days of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, to the failed establishment cover-up over Hillsborough.
You could also add the victims of the contaminated blood fiasco, the struggle of the Grenfell victims for justice and Windrush immigrants. Bill Cook, Teignmouth, Devon
■ It’s same old, same old from the establishment. They dragged their feet rather than pay the miners what they were due as they have done with other victims, such as those army veterans suffering the effects of radiation exposure on Christmas Island, contaminated blood and the longterm effects of asbestos. Michael Elias, Carmarthen
■ This is similar to how disgraced ex-MP Cyril Smith worked as a stooge for an asbestos manufacturer in his constituency in Rochdale which helped to delay action being taken for years. He stood up and defended asbestos in the Commons. Dawn Palmer, Simou, Cyprus