The South Wales Miners So bad is the condition of
the coal industry in South Wales and so serious the unemployment among miners that the last thing desired by the South Wales Miners' Federation is a quarrel with the owners. But those miners who have escaped the misfortune of unemploy- ment are themselves subsisting upon a miserable wage, the minimtun percentage being only 12/ per cent. above 1914 wages, while the cost of living is 43 per cent. above. In these circumstances, and in view of the fact that the National Industrial Board has recommended changes which would virtually restore the 1931 cuts, the union can hardly be blamed for pressing the coal-owners to consider the matter speedily, or for showing irritation at the postponement of the issue till September 18th. The decision to recommend the giving of a month's notice on September 1st may appear to be putting a pistol at the head of the coal-owners. It is a pity that a decision should have to be taken under what is in effect the threat of a strike. But no such situation would have arisen if the owners had attended to this important matter with the promptitude which the men had a right to expect.
Previous page
