Senior managers at the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield are failing to enforce safety measures at the on-site pit by avoiding essential maintenance during a pay strike.
The union has been told the system for monitoring gas levels underground is not working effectively. This is the second time this has happened since staff walked out in mid-August.
If dangerous fumes build up underground to a significant degree, fans should start automatically to reduce the risk. But if the system is not properly maintained, there is no proper indication that gas levels are normal.
The museum’s former health and safety manager Neil Williams raised concerns about the safe operation of the system before Christmas, but nothing was done. He was sacked a matter of weeks later.
Trained mine officials usually carry out checks using handheld gas monitors before the mine is allowed to open to visitors. But this can only be done when there are two points of entry for the mine, via the shaft (a deep, vertical entrance) and the drift (a horizontal or near-horizontal entrance).
The normal entry point is through the shaft, but vital cage-suspension equipment has past its safety test date, meaning it must be changed and has to pass compliance procedures.
Repairs can only be carried out if museum chief executive Lynn Dunning makes a formal request to UNISON for specialist external workers to cross the picket line. But she has refused to do so.
UNISON says this must mean gas levels aren’t being monitored properly, or a serious health and safety breach is being committed if they’re being checked with only one functioning point of entry.
Failure to monitor the build-up runs the risk of explosion if gas is allowed to enter the electrical system.
Lynn Dunning has previously compromised safety by attempting to block maintenance works on the mine in September.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Rianne Hooley said: “The chief executive’s behaviour shows a total disregard for both the significant health and safety risks at and the importance of the country’s last operating pit.
“Any sensible boss would be moving heaven and earth to carry out crucial work needed on such a key part of the museum falling under their responsibility.
“UNISON has made clear from the beginning of this dispute it’s willing to help make sure any safety work is carried out as long as the chief executive requests exemptions for workers to cross the picket line.
“Instead, she’s sacking workers who raise concerns and ignoring the dangers.
“Lynn Dunning must put her pride to one side and do what’s needed to protect the mine at the National Coal Mining Museum.”
Notes:
– Neil Williams was sacked before Christmas and considers himself a whistleblower. More information can be found here.
– In September 2025, chief executive Lynn Dunning attempted to block repair work on the mine, resulting in the union contacting HM Inspectorate of Mines, who instructed the museum to reschedule the work.
– More than 40 workers have been on strike at the National Coal Mining Museum since August 2025 in a pay dispute. The industrial action is scheduled to run until the end of June 2026 unless an acceptable offer is put forward.
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