THREAT OF MINE STOPPAGE

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25389, 12 January 1948, Page 7

THREAT OF MINE STOPPAGE

STRIKERS WILL NOT BE REEMPLOYED LONDON, January 9. Engine winding men in the South Wales coalfield, who are threatening to strike on Monday unless their unofficial union is recognised by the National Union of Mineworkers, were told both by Mr Arthur Horner, secretary of the Mine workers’ Union, and Mr Will Lawther, the president of the union, that if they stop work their jobs will be filled and they will not be re-employed. “A stoppage would threaten the export drive,” said Mr Lawther, “and I warn the enginemen that action will be taken if they indulge in the luxury of an unofficial stoppage when negotiations on their behalf are proceeding.” Mr Horner said: “We will place the interests of the country above the weakness of these elements, whidh cannot appreciate Britain’s serious position. We have decided that the pits must not stop.” Officials of the National Coal Board said that the board refused to recognise the Winders’ Union, but it was negotiating with the men on other demands. It is estimated that a strike by the 2000 members of this unofficial union could cost up to 750,000 tons of coal a week. The Ministry of Labour has appointed a court of inquiry into the dispute between the National Coal Boarti and the Winding Enginemen’s Union.