South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 06 June 1942

“In And Out” Strikes

Unrest at South Yorkshire Pits

Unrest among the miners of South Yorkshire which has been marked by an epidemic of strikes was still evident during the week, although on Monday work was resumed at a number of pits. Later in the week there were further interruptions and the situation changes almost from hour of hour.

A large number of collieries have been affected by these “in and out” strikes which, in the main, are concerned with agitations for wages increases.

Y.M.A. Statement.

After a Council meeting of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association on Monday it was stated that the Association wanted all boys engaged in the industry to be paid men’s wages on reaching the age of 18, and to be paid the full 4s. a day increase (2s. for boys), with the minimum wage of £4 5s., which have been the subject of negotiations between the coalowners, miners’ leaders and the Government. Mr. J. A. Hall, J.P., President of the Association, also issued an urgent appeal to the men on strike to resume work forthwith.

In the Wombwell district, Cortonwood, Wombwell Main and Darfield Main have been involved in strikes. Men at Cortonwood returned to work on Tuesday, but the pit was stopped again yesterday (Thursday). When asked what the trouble at the pit was, one of the men told a “Times” reporter he did not know, and said the men were fast losing patience as many of them with families were anxious about the empty wage packets. The extension of the strike due to the action of the boys, and after a long meeting to discuss the position last night (Thursday), there was still no settlement.

After being addressed for two hours by Mr. W. E. Jones, General Secretary of the Y.M.A.. at Wombwell yesterday, Darfleld Main employees again voted in favour of remaining out, but later a settlement was reached. The issue at this pit revolves round claims for “Bevin money – (guaranteed wage.) or unemployment benefit arising out of earlier stoppages.

Later in the day Mr. S. S. Thornhill, Agent at the Colliery, said the haulage lads had come to see him of their own accord, and he announced that the pit would be opened for work last night with the intention of a full resumption to-day. The stoppage at Wombwell Main, which has now been In operation a week, arises out of a claim for extra pay for loaders In the Parkgate, Thorncllffe and Silkstone seams.

There was another stoppage at Kilnhurst Colliery last week-end, but at a meeting on Sunday the boys, who were responsible for the stoppage, decided to go back to work pending negotiations, being influenced in this decision by the action of the boys at Silverwood Colliery who had decided earlier in the day to resume work this week.

Trouble with a section of the boys at Wath Main a Colliery was dealt with at a meeting on Sunday morning which made a resumption of full work possible on Monday.