Author Description

When the Westray mine exploded, the human tragedy and suffering which resulted were chilling proof that the age-old price paid for coal is human blood. After the dead were laid to rest, the bureaucratic back-stabbing and corporate refusal of responsibility were all too familiar to followers of the history of mining and labour. Andrew and Pam have a young son, and have just purchased their first home. Even though conditions at Westray are nearly subhuman, and the mine is know to be dangerously mismanaged, Andy, alongside his co-workers, descends under the ground again and again, because his family depends on him.