In the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser newspaper, a columnist told of mining events in Blantyre that December in 1892. This was a particularly difficult time as some collieries tried to reduce wages by up to 12.5%, something obviously the miners protested at. One way to deal with this by the Coalmasters was to simply sack long standing employees and take on new workers at the reduced wage. A time certainly before fair employment laws!
It reads as follows:
“A notice has gone up at Merry & Cunningham’s Auchenraith Colliery confirming that, from now until the new year, the pit will return to regular working hours. Even better, workers will now be allowed to work Saturdays to help recover lost wages from previous downtime.
This comes as a welcome boost, especially after months of irregular shifts that left many uncertain. However, it’s a mixed picture locally. Over at Dixon’s pits, recent staffing changes have seen long-serving men dismissed, with new workers brought in – sparking unrest and dissatisfaction among those affected.
Although conditions have been gloomy, reports suggest an improvement in work availability, offering a glimmer of hope. Still, local shopkeepers remain concerned about the ongoing economic depression in the area.”
#LanarkshireHistory #MiningHeritage #CollieryNews #Auchenraith #DixonsPits #VictorianScotland”
Photo for illustration only: AI.
