South Yorkshire Times, June 27th, 1942.

Stoppage at Houghton Main

Second Within a Week

For the second time within a week work was stopped at Houghton Main Colliery yesterday because of a “dust money ” grievance. The men had returned to work on Monday after a strike of four days on the understanding that the grievance would be taken up, but when it was found yesterday that certain loader end men had not been allowed “dust money ” they refused to go down. Three seams were brought to a standstill.

The loader end men state that in some cases an ex gratia payment of 6d. per shift extra has been stopped, but the management have stated there has been no cessation of any payment, neither has there been any variation of custom at the pit.

A stoppage at Cortonwood last week arose out of a claim for “dole ” by younger workers. This is also to be discussed and a back to work decision was taken at a meeting held at the Welfare Hall. Brampton, on Sunday.

A stoppage at Kilnhurst during the week-end was brief and work was resumed on Monday.