THE CASE FOR THE MINER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 115, 9 February 1920, Page 5

THE CASE FOR THE MINER

Siv,—Many people do not realise one of the crucial points in t'-e coal niestion ns it is now. A. mine is worked bv m.ners who are paid by the ton, or by "yardage." at rate.' varying i'rom 1? lid per ton to over 3s. f.d., and up to fis. for yardage. They also have "allowances/' ?.nd in addition the .15 per cent, war bonuses. Then there are the men on wa.ges who are paid by the day. The wages men ore mow numerous than the miners, and can therefore .carry resolutions at union meetings if they voto together. Now, it obvious that the "go sW," while it hurts the miner, who is paid by results, suit? the wages men, who receive full wages for less •, ork, and the miner, boinjr in a minority in the union, is often forced to take a lino of action to his own detrim?iit. by a stronger section who are not in any way injured by that course of'nction. Tf the truth were known, it is probable that the recent Hnntly resolution against the. Alliance of Labour was passed at a meting of miners, and its recision was made lit a meeting (specially addressed 1.-y the president of the federation) attended by wages men, who out-voted tho rn'jier. The unfortunate minor is tho real lossr by this suicidal "go slow," rnd, if loyal to his union is compelled to -suffer by tho votes of his mates «ho suffer nothing:—l am, «tc., WEST COA3TEB.