Newburgh Dispute

[janwhin]

Here's one from the Newcastle Journal of 8 April 1914, not everything in the garden was rosy
"About a thousand men and lads ceased work yesterday morning at Newburgh Colliery, one of the Broomhill Group, in consequence of a dispute as to whether wages are to be paid by the shift or on piece on a certain seam.
For fourteen or fifteen years, it is claimed by the men, hewers have been paid by the shift; now the management desires the work to be done at piece rates. The men resented the change when it was sought to be introduced last quarter, and it was not pressed. The current quarter has just begun, and the management, it is stated, is seeking to enforce ton prices. The men contend that ton prices do not apply to hewing in the seam in question.
A deputation from the miners desired a second interview with the manager, following one which had led to no settlement, but they were informed that no deputation would be received until the men had returned to work."