The 2023 Durham Miners Gala is dedicated to workers taking industrial action, organisers have announced.
The Durham Miners Association (DMA) is also calling on all workers not yet in a union to rise up and join the struggle for a fairer and more equal society.
There has been a wave of strikes and other actions by workers across various sectors in response to stagnant wages, deteriorating conditions and the cost-of-living crisis.
The platform speakers at the 137th Gala – on Saturday 8 July – have all been working in support striking workers and communities organising in response to economic challenges.
The platform speakers will be:
- Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC
- Zarah Sultana MP
- Fran Heathcote, President, PCS
- Sarah Woolley, General Secretary, BFAWU
- Sara Bryson, Tyne & Wear Citizens Assembly
- Alan Mardghum, General Secretary, DMA
Stephen Guy, chair of the DMA, will oversee proceedings He said: “We are proud to dedicate the 2023 Gala to all workers in struggle and to those organising to defend their communities from the policies of this cruel and incompetent government.
“We urge everyone to rise up join and union and join the fight for a better society for all.
“All our platform speakers support those taking action in their workplaces and in their communities and I’m sure they will all inspire us to take up the task.”
The speeches on the racecourse will get underway at 1pm. More information on Gala day arrangements is available here.
For those who wish to stay over, the official Gala campsite is available at Houghall Campus just a short walk from the festivities.
Full camping information and booking is available here.
The costs of hosting the Gala are rising sharply and more support is needed. Your Gala needs you!
If you are able to chip in, please join our band of ‘Marras’ today here.