KILBIRNIE TUNNEL STRIKE.

NZ Truth, Issue 75, 24 November 1906, Page 3

KILBIRNIE TUNNEL STRIKE.

, TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— l would like to explain through your columns the cause of the strike at the Kilbirnie tunnel, as there are several different reports about the trouble which may do the workmen concerned a great wrong and be the cause of them being refused employment elsewhere. The whole trouble was caused by one man receiving; . ten shillings and sixpence per shift and the other ■timttrmcn, doiii'jr the same work and equally as well, to use the foreman's words, and only getting nine shillings per shift. The three shift bosses went to Mr Taplin, the foreman, on behalf of the timiberxnen receiving nine shillings and asked. him* if it was true that one man was receiving 10s 6d per shift if so the other timfoerinen wanted the same, as they were doing the same work. The foreman said it was. a lie, that no one was getting more than 9s per shift. We, the timber men, were quite satisfied to believe the foreman and everything went on quietly for several weeks, until I, one of the timhermen, was receiving my }>ay m the office of Mr McChiire, contractor, and saw where H. Pearce, timberanan, was receiving 10s 6 f d. That was on Thursday,, the Bth, I told, the other men concerned, four m all. We decided to approach Mr McGuire for an increase of one shilling, ncr shift. We asked the foreman " If H. Pearce was "•ettinn: 10s 6d and he said no. We not being satisfied' decided to have an /interview with Mr McGuire ; which we ( did, and he told us that Pearqe was v eretting 10s Gd and said he was prepared to pay us 10s. On Monday afternoon, before starting work, we had another interview, with Mr McG-uire and he refused to give the wages asked for, and we asked him for time due to us as we refused to undercut another man by doing the same work for less wages. On Tuesday. the 11th, fifteen of the afternoon shift was there' waiting to co to work when the foreman of the tunnel told them if they did not like to do the timbering; for 9s it was no use of them starting. They refused to scab and were sacked. The other shifts refused also, and did not start. I am fcetbin" this letter published to let the piiblic know that we went to Mr McGruire m a friendly manner for .the increase, which, was refused. Mr McGuire states the "Evenincr Post" that we did not. approach him m a friendly manner. The timbernien asked no one to, go on strike ; anything that was done by the miners was of their own free will. Now, Sir. m justice to all concerned I hope you will publish this letter.— l am, &c, A. JONES.