Colliers in North Staffs April 1844
Researched by John Lumsdon
It is satisfactory to know that many more of the colliers in the district have dissolved their connection with the Union, and resumed work; so that those colliers, particular at Longton which were almost or quite at a stand, are now in active operation. The “turn-out” may, therefore, be considered as drawing to a termination; thought matters are still in an unsettled state at some of the collieries. This result may in some measure have been accelerated by the arbitrary conduct of the “Union,” an instance of whose tyranny occurred very recently at the works of H.H. Williamson, Esq. This gentleman who has extensive colliers in the neighbourhood of Tunstall, at which from 200 to 300 persons are employed, added to the wishes of the men, and the new system of working eight hours per day for 3s, was introduced.
The men, being all in the Union, have contributed largely to the Union Fund out of their earnings. One man, however, being unable to make good his last payment to this fund, which some weeks has been as high as 5s per man, the colliers in the two pits declined to proceed with their labour on Wednesday week, unless this man was discharged, if he did not pay his arrears of subscription.
This unreasonable demand peremptorily refused by Mr. Butterfield, the master’s agent, who told the men if they did not immediately resume their work, it was probable not one of them would be employed again. This had the desired effect, and the men returned to work. Since then a material change had taken place in this establishment. Most of the men have relinquished their connection with the union, and have gladly availed themselves of the opportunity of reverting to the old system of 4s per day of 12 hours, on which terms they hired themselves on Thursday, to give and receive a months notice.
The butty system, which in many cases is believed to be very oppressive to the men, has at these works been abandoned, and in lieu of it “captains” of pits have been appointed, who are to be paid at the rate of 6s per day. Some of the more discontented and troublesome men here have received notice to leave, and probably, with those that have rendered themselves obnoxious at other places, find some difficulty in getting employment.
On Wednesday night a report was received at the Constabulary Office, in Stoke, that it was in contemplation by some of the union men to damage the machinery at the collieries of Mr. Bowers, near Cheadle, and also prevent the men who had left the union from going to work the following morning.
Major McKnight, Inspector Madden and 17 or 18 police constables, accordingly went to Cheadle with all haste in the middle of the night. About 5 o’ clock on Thursday morning a number of disaffected colliers assembled in the vicinity of these collieries, but seeing the police in attendance they offered no molestation to those inclined to go to work. In the middle of the day some of the union men paraded in the streets of Cheadle with their union cards stuck in their hats. In consequence of the present appearance of things a larger number of constabulary remain at Cheadle for the present. With the exception of this case, nothing has transpired to disturb the peace of the district.