Dispute at Denaby Main

May 1890

Sheffield Independent – Thursday 08 May 1890

Dispute at Denaby Main

A meeting of the Denaby Main miners was held last night to consider the wages question, and was attended by Mr. Wadsworth (Wharncliffe Silkstone) and Mr. Murray (Hoyland Silkstone), members of the executive of the Miners’ Union.

Mr. Cowey, the president of the association, had been expected, but he sent a telegram stating that he was unexpectedly summoned to London on important business.

Mr. Wadsworth referred at length to the position of affaire at Denaby Main, the men contending that they are underpaid according to the price lists at other collieries. Several deputations have waited on the managers on the matter, but without success, and at last Mr. Pickard, M.P., wrote him laying the case of the men before him.

The manager (Mr. Chambers) replied cold that no alteration’ could be made in the price list unless thus decided by the Masters’ Association. The fact was, said Mr. Wadsworth, that the masters knew the miners were being backed up by an association which had now become a great power, and they (the owners) were determined to guard themselves in a like way.

The position of the Denaby men was being carefully considered at headquarters, and if thay exercised a little further patience it was hoped there would soon be something decisive done. It was stated that the last strike at Denaby Main was a loss to the miners to the extent of about 3d. per ton, and this they are anxious to get back, the difference in the wages weekly paid being £104 less than was the case six years ago, and equivalent to £5208 per annum.

Mr. Murray advised the men not to rash rashly into a strike, but to act discreetly and get the support of the whole federation, than there would be a good chance of success if a strike became inevitable.

A vote of thanks was passed to the speakers.

The topmen were told that they were entitled to the same advance of wages as the miners, and that all who gave in their notices would be supported by the union. The position of the stove-grate trade was considered, and it was decided to give continued financial support to the men.