Emlyn Williams 1921-1995

Born Aberdare, Cynon valley. Started work at age fifteen with his father in Nantmelin Colliery. When the Second World War broke out he enlisted and remained in the army until 1947. On his return he was elected lodge chairman for Bwllfa lodge. His trade union career continued when in 1955 he became a member of the executive council of the National Union of Mineworkers’ South Wales Area.

He served as Vice-President in 1966 and became President in 1973 until 1985, a period during which he lead the miners’ through three very significant strikes, 1972, 1974 and 1984-5. He was a popular leader and widely supported as evidenced by the fact that the miners remained almost totally loyal to the National Union of Mineworkers throughout the strike period.

Work by Emlyn Williams

Williams, Emlyn. Address (at South Wales Area Congress) [Pamphlet] (National Union of Mineworkers(South Wales Area) 1983)