The Denaby Main Dispute

An important meeting of the Denaby miners connected with the Yorkshire miners Association was held last night, at the Lodge room, Mexborough.

An official reported that he had that they had been to Barnsley to see the authorities of the association, review of getting the president (Mr Cowey) to visit Denaby and address the fillers to the crisis which they are brought about.

He did not see Mr Picard, MP as he was at the House of Common, but the other officials were present and he went into the hall case with them. The reply division was that, as the fillers are brought the trouble on themselves, they must fight it out, they (the official) not been inclined to interfere. The hope was expressed that the struggle would soon end, and that when better trade was realised the men would be supported in attempting to get wages equal to what were paid at all the pits in the district. It was confirmed by the authorities that trade still continued to be very depressed, and that the public were not in a position to help the men out of work, their purses being already drained. Indeed, it was not believed that the men at Denaby and yet got out of the difficulties occasion by the last prolonged strike. (Hear, hear) the (the speaker) told officials he should lay the matter before the executive of the Denaby Lodge, and informed them that the miners strongly disapprove of the action of the fillers under the circumstances. (Hear, hear).

Reference was then made, in the course of the discussion, to the assertion by the fillers that the colliers ought to give notice and help them to fight the battle, but it was acknowledged that the effort would be utterly futile, and that the sooner all went on with their work the better. Surprise was expressed at the fillers, who were married men, should have been prevailed upon by the young men – for this had been the case – to tender their notices, and it was hoped, now the colliers are resolutely determined not to follow their example, they would fall in with the majority and end the dispute.

The resolution agreed unanimously on Thursday that work be resumed by the colliers, was again adopted. It was reported that 500 tons of coal were sent up the shaft yesterday morning while the miners were working, and this was thought very satisfactory.

Sheffield Telegraph, August 23, 1886

Yesterday work was resumed as usual at the Denaby Main colliery. The majority of the fillers proceeded to their working places, in accordance with the understanding arrived at; but about 50 of their number are said to have gone to other pits in the district in search of employment, in the hope of obtaining higher wages.

Notwithstanding that the strike is concluded, it is thoroughly well-known that all the men are greatly dissatisfied at the rate of remuneration they are receiving, and it is highly desirable that arbitration, as asked for, should be agreed to.

This appears to be the only way of effectually secondary grievances and it would certainly appear the more satisfactory and equitable m& to both parties