Lockout
When the coalmines were returned to private ownership on 31 March 1921, the owners proposed pay cuts and increased working hours. Tension built as the owners rejected the miners’ demand for a national pool to equalize wages.
On 1 April 1921, when the miners union refused to accept the owners new terms, one million British Miners were locked out. This lasted for 3 months, with the miners returning to work on the owners' terms in early July 2021.
Listen to Jim Minton recalling being ordered to bring his tools out at the beginning of the 1921 lockout [transcript available]
Black Friday
A week later, the Miners' Federation of Great Britain sought support from the other members of the 'Triple Alliance'. Formed in 1914, it was anticipated that the National Union of Railwaymen and the National Transport Workers' Federation would call for a national rail and transport strike in support of the miners.
'Triple Alliance, South Wales Section'. Minutes from SWMF Council Meeting, April 12th 1921
However, on 15 April, the executives of the National Union of Railwaymen and the National Transport Workers' Federation announced that they would not recommend strike action. The Triple Alliance fell apart, and this fracturing of support was named 'Black Friday'.
Disagreements and Demonstrations
Although the miners were united in rejecting the owners' terms, there was discussion and disputes over organisation and behavior during the lockout, including;
- Withdrawal of safety men [more info]
- Anti blackleg processions [more info]
- Outcroppers selling coal [more info]
Policing
Police and military were called in to the coalfield in order to manage potential trouble during processions, demonstrations, and to 'keep the peace' between the owners and the miners.
Nearly 450 police from other forces were brought into the coalfield by the Chief Constable of Glamorgan. The military were also called upon, with battalions of the York and Lancaster regiment sent to Cardiff and the Rhondda. Fifteen hundred naval ratings were also sent to Abertillery.
Summonses for riot, riotous assembly, unlawful assembly, and intimidation were issued, with several men (many well respected lodge leaders) arrested and imprisoned.
Support
Many of the striking miners were dependent on voluntary relief and resources, as more official, statutory relief measures did not apply. The mining communities in south Wales had to sustain these men, and so places like communal kitchens and canteens became centres of solidarity and support.
Local fund raising efforts by Union led distress committees also made a vital contribution to sustaining the struggle, as well as support from local churches and Co-operatives.
