Background

Conditions in the coal mining industry were very hard indeed and partly due to this, mineworkers were some of the most heavily unionised.  Their union was called the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain [MFGB].  In its heyday, in 1913, our region boasted 304 pits employing 165,246 people, the majority of whom were union members. The Durham Miners’ Association was affiliated to the MFGB although it did have its disagreements over specific issues.

1914-1918: During the Great War the coal industry was taken into public ownership by the government [nationalisation].  Coal was at the heart of British industry and was far more important than any other energy source such as electricity, gas or oil, yet to be widely developed. Under government control, wages, hours and safety improved and at the end of the war, the miners wanted to retain the status quo.  At that time there were 550,000 men employed in the coal industry – 10% of the entire workforce.

1919: Sir John Sankey led a government appointed Commission to investigate the industry.  He recommended that nationalisation should continue. The Prime Minister, Lloyd George refused to acknowledge the recommendations and he wanted to avoid taking control of an industry facing serious conflict.  The mine owners were powerful and wielded much influence – they wanted control of the industry.

Mine Owners’ Demands

1920: In the aftermath of the First World War the coal industry was under pressure from foreign competition. As a result, the mine owners demanded cuts in wages and an extended working day stating that the alternative would be closure of the least economically viable pits. The MFGB refused to accept these measures.

31 March 1921: The mines were returned to the mine owners.  The threat of the mine owners to impose pay cuts and increase working hours then became a reality.  The miners were told they had to accept the new conditions or lose their jobs.

Black Friday

The MFGB called on the railwaymen and transport workers [these three unions formed the Triple Alliance] to join them in a strike starting on 15 April 1921. The railwaymen and transport workers felt that the miners had not tried hard enough to negotiate. On the day the strike was supposed to begin they withdrew their support. This became known as “Black Friday”.

The Result

The Government declared a State of Emergency.  It established a special Defence Corps to confront striking workers [70,000 military reservists were called upon to aid the civil powers] and they were despatched to the militant mining areas.

In Durham there was an overwhelming majority in favour of the strike.  Hewers’ wages were proposed to be reduced from £4 2shillings 8pence to £2 19shillings 7pence [28% reduction] and putters from £3 12shillings 7pence to £2 6shillings 2 pence [36.4% reduction].  Boards of Guardians began to receive names of those seeking relief and the lodges set up canteen committees to feed families.  In May distress funds had been started.

In an attempt to defuse the situation, MFGB President Frank Hodges proposed local negotiations rather than a national agreement.  Eventually, a complicated settlement was made which involved national and district boards to deal with wages, which included a basic wage plus a % based upon quarterly proceeds from the district and a subsistence wage for low paid workers.  A short term £10M subsidy would be paid to assist the wage position.  The miners agreed to return to work after 2 months on strike.

In Evenwood

Rev. R. E. Ragg reported in the Evenwood Parish Magazine as follows:

May 1921

“The unhappy deadlock in the mining world is disturbing us all and causing much anxiety.  Already there are close upon 2 million out of work and in very many cases families are suffering for want of food and fuel.”

June 1921

“The Mining Deadlock still continues and the want and suffering entailed increases daily.  In our own parish sacrifice and much downright hard work is being performed to lessen hardship and privation.  It has been decided to put in operation “The Feeding of the School Children Act” probably beginning Saturday June 4^th when breakfast and dinner will have to be prepared and provided.  We hope that all those who have worked so nobly hitherto will continue at their post and the numbers of other workers will offer their services.  This Act only meets the needs of children from 5 to 14 years but efforts are being put forth to help others also who are really in need.”

July 1921:

“Meanwhile the feeding of the children under the Act continues and is being admirably worked in our village.”

Meals were being provided for 400 children under the supervision of Commandant Moyles from the Salvation Army at the Comrades Hall.   

Above: 4 July 1921 Evenwood Soup Kitchen Staff: Commandant Moyles, his wife and his team of volunteers including Mr. Gibson standing far right and Wilf Wren sitting above the sign.

Rev. R.E Ragg wrote:

August 1921:

“It was with great feeling of relief that we heard the meeting on June 27^th…had resulted in a settlement of the deadlock….8000 Durham miners permanently unemployed through the definite closing of pits and 200,000 in the country waiting for the chance again [to work]”

October 1921:

“The short strike of last Autumn and the serious 3 months’ stoppage this year combined with the violent fluctuations in the Exchanges have produced a deplorable stagnation in trade and hundreds of thousands of our fellow countrymen are out of work, whilst vast numbers are on short time so that the coming winter seems destined to witness much hardship amongst our toilers and their dependents.”

This seems a far cry from the “Land Fit for Heroes” proclamations made by the Prime Minister David Lloyd George and others in recognition of the enormous sacrifices made by the British people during the Great War 1914-1918.