( in full the National Union of Mineworkers )
( in Britain ) the main trade union for people who work in coal mines. For most of the 20th century, the production of coal was very important for Britain’s economy, so the NUM was in a powerful position. However, since the 1980s most of Britain’s coal mines have been closed down and the power of the unions has been greatly reduced.
Compare UDM . ➡ note at coal mining . See also miners’ strikes .