Pony Drivers Dispute – Pit Stopped

July 1881

Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 22.

The Denaby Main Pony Drivers Dispute

The Pit Stopped.


On Wednesday the 14 days notice which had been given by the pony driver’s employed at the colliery expired, and, as a consequence, the whole of the men and boys – about 1000 in number are now thrown out of work.

The cause of this action is that the lads are not satisfied with their wages. They complained that the contractors, who pay them, ought to give them more remuneration.

They receive from 1s 6d (7.5p) to 3s (15p) per day, according to age, but the majority of the lads, it is said, received the lower some. The lads are supported in their contention by many of the men.

It is feared that the hands may be out of work some time, especially as there are thousands of tonnes of coal “stacked.”

Summonses have been issued by the Company against upwards of 50 of the boys.





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