This year marks the centenary of Britain’s only General Strike, when two million workers across the country went on strike in support of coal miners who had refused to accept post-war wage cuts and extended working hours, declaring “not a penny off the pay, not a minute on the day”.

Join Charlotte Powell on this tour to explore some of the key events, individuals and locations in Birmingham during the nine days of the strike and beyond, including Birmingham’s largest ever May Day rally, the impact of transport and printing strikes, the prosecution and ongoing victimisation of strikers and local councillors by the government, and clashes between strikers and the police. 

This approximately 1.5-mile walk will start at Victoria Square and end on Corporation Street. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather. This walk is part of General Strike 100, a national programme of events to commemorate the strike.

Organised by Birmingham Trades Union Council