The Welsh Coal Strike Danger Owing to the South Wales
coal-owners' strange post- ponement of the meeting of the Conciliation Joint Board in which their representatives are to confer with the miners, only twelve days (between September 18th and 30th) will be available in which to discuss all the wage points in dispute. If agreement is not reached in that short time a strike will occur throughout the area—and that would probably give the eoup-de-grdee to the South Wales coal industry. The men certainly appear to be on strong ground. In February, 1931, they consented to reductions in their already miserable wages, and since the agreement came to an end last February they have been continuing on the same terms from month to Month. Waiving their own demands, they have accepted the recommendations of the National Industrial Board (which is unrecognized, and was unaided, by the coal- owners) for a moderate increase of wages, based on the industry's estimated capacity to pay. It should be pointed out that even if this is granted the men's real wages will still be lower than in 1914. Their ease is cer- tainly one which ought to have been considered promptly; and if now the Conciliation Board meets under threats of strike, the public, at least, should understand that that is due to inexcusable delays in arranging a meeting.
Previous page
