Through the entire 1980’s, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister in the United Kingdom (from 1979 to 1990 to be exact) and Conservative Party leader from 1975-1990. During her tenure as Prime Minister, Thatcher had a rough relationship with trade unions. The coal miners in this song (who are also in a union) sing about their relationship with Thatcher.
Learn about trade unions and economic history in this clip!