Denaby Main Colliery – Wages Reduction – Banksmen Strike

October 1880

October 15th 1880.

Denaby Main Colliery.

Reduction in Wages requested

We understand that the manager of Denaby Main Colliery has had an interview with the men employed at the colliery, saying that he had been instructed to ask that they would accept a reduction in wages, which was being done at other pits in the neighbourhood. He, however, did not mention what amount of reduction would be required, and the employees have hope that no reduction will be made, especially as it seems that coal prices are improving.

 

October 22nd 1880.

Denaby Main Colliery.

Banksmen Leave their work

At noon on Wednesday, the banksmen employed at the Denaby Main Colliery left their work ` en asseĀ“ and it was feared that the pit would have to be temporarily stopped.

The men had just completed some contract work, and before they continued their services they wanted an understanding with Mr. Warburton, the manager, as to whether they would be paid at a similar rate as they had been paid for the contract. In answer to their enquiries, the manager had told them that they should receive the same wages, but only on one condition, which was that they should work two hours longer i.e. ten hours instead of eight per day.

The banksmen thereupon consulted amongst themselves, the result being that they unanimously decided to leave their work, which they accordingly did. This put the manager in an awkward fix, and he feared that the departure of the 50 or 60 men from work would result in the pit being stopped. As soon as was possible the places of the men on strike were filled, and the stoppage of the pit was fortunately avoided.

On the following morning some of the men who had struck returned, as soon as this became the knowledge of some of the other hands on strike, threats were made use of by them, and the intimidation had the desired effect of causing the men to at once leave the pit.

The men seem determined not to return to work, except the hours should be the same as previously or unless they receive m

ore remuneration for the extra two hours