THE STRIKE OF 1942

A day in the life of a miner was not easy. Working to the point of exhaustion for a survival wage was a recurring image that would not go away. The stress and tension of an unstable industry did much to create a pessimistic atmosphere. When management added to the existing problems tempers flared and the miner fought for justice.

On July 8, 1942 the mine operators found themselves in a disturbing position. The mine was not producing sufficient quantities of coal to suit their needs. The problem was basically one of human relations. The manager, a Mr. W. Simpson, caused the gap between management and workers to widen by his arrogant and indifferent attitude to the working force.

In order to get more production he decided to draft a plan to improve the economics of the mine. The plan involved the horse drivers. They were ordered to report to the mine one hour earlier in order that the extra time would be used to gain access to increased tonnage. Since the horse drivers would be busy hauling coal from the levels to the slope they would not be able to transport the miners into the levels. This move infuriated some of the miners.

They decided to form a delegation and appointed Joe Beaton as their spokesman. Their argument involved lost production time in walking to the levels on treacherous walkways. If Simpson was interested in improving production this was hardly a meaningful approach. Some of the workers felt Simpson's actions were personal rather than economic after Simpson ordered them back to work in language that caused a heated confrontation. Within hours police had to rush to the mine to protect the manager from physical harm. Under the circumstances the Company decided on a "lock-out" until the miners decided to go back to work under the set conditions. Almost a month passed with threatening gestures from both sides. The Company officials proclaimed their desire to abandon the workings and leave it to the sea.

The miners resisted with indignation and refused to bend under management's pressure. Eventually, by August 30th a compromised agreement was reached and the mines were back into production.