Original subtitles

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7!

Aye.

6 and three quarters.

Aye.

There's some stuff coming up today, Jimmy.

Aye.

Full house.

Like a bloody ball week.

What was that last body number?

87.

Arthur Club unless he's changed his store.

You don't forget do you?

I try not to.

It's quiet isn't it?

Aye.

I bet there's not one missed day shift.

It'll be full house afternoons and all if I know out.

Aye.

You know why don't you?

Nobody says out but it's there.

We're getting the brass in while the sun still shines.

Might wait for a cloud to come over us.

They'd better settle it without a strike.

Will they?

Is that what your master thinks?

I'll leave that side of things to him.

I wouldn't.

By God I wouldn't.

I shall have so much to say to him and all if he does bring him out.

Master.

He didn't want to go back on union you know.

He didn't push himself Ethel.

I want my husband in work.

Not sitting on that step seven days a week.

They've got to make a stand sometime Ethel.

This time.

What is it this time?

The best paid pit for mouse.

They've been for years.

Everybody knows it.

They just want to stop the best paid pit.

There's a pram and a cot to be paid for in this house apart from outhouse.

He's admitted he got it on tick.

How's he getting on with it?

He pays for it out of his spends.

He's supposed to have bought it out of his saves.

Save?

George.

Never saved a penny in his life.

And five more installments to go so he says.

Where's that going to come from if they're on strike and there's no doll?

Still, can't be bleeding him any road.

He went out this morning and he came back with half a pound of best stew and steak.

Nay, I'll not charge thee, he says.

He does it grand when he does it, you know.

He'd be scratching me now if he'd not given up smoking.

I'll come back after dinner to finish this.

Jack'll be back afore long.

Will you go round back and tell Archibald his dinner's ready?

He's in closet.

He's been there for hours.

Reckons they've changed the beer down at the club and it gives him constipation.

So give that up, I say.

Give that up and all and take us out to Scarborough for a day next summer.

I'll be back.

George?

George?

You are?

It's your mam.

Ethel says your dinner's ready.

Ah, right.

I'll be out now.

Darwin World?

Your dinner's in Scudery today.

I'm ironing.

Pigeon paper, ain't it?

Aye.

Can I have it?

How much is it?

Two pence a week.

I'll give it Oscar.

I'll not go cold picking for now.

You'll not go cold picking.

Let's have a look.

It's mainly about racing, ain't it?

I'm gonna race when Ronnie Esker shows me how to go on.

Is this his?

It's got all about Derry Old Pigeon Derby.

They give a gold trophy.

Can't you share on his copy?

Nay.

I want me own.

We're not mates sometimes.

Well, you shouldn't fall out, then.

I don't.

It's him.

He gets moulds on.

Mark, who's talking?

Can I have it?

It's no use asking me, is it?

You'll have to ask Alan.

He's the one who's got to work to pay for it, isn't he?

Aye, he can have it.

Course he can.

What do you say?

What do you say, then?

Go get me dinner.

Better ask Ruffley's to order it for you.

Sam, come back here.

Sam!

I'm here.

I asked you to say thank you to Alan, why didn't you?

Look who got you those pigeons last week.

Could have got me own.

With whose money?

Who do you think buys the food that we eat and the clothes that we wear?

Who do you think does that?

Sam, love.

Who is it that cares for us, eh?

My dad does.

And that's all the thanks you're going to get.

It's that letter from Harry.

Soured him towards me.

Aye, and dad was right to try and stop him seeing it, regardless of what's been said.

Was he?

I don't know.

If Harry's coming back, it'd only have put things off for a bit.

He's no right to come back.

If the lad can see him now and then, haven't he been more settled?

And it'll mean we can start the divorce.

It's soured it for you, hasn't it?

That I'm having you obeying out of wedlock.

No, they mustn't think that way.

Bastard's a word, our Frank said.

It's just a word.

You're bearing a child, he said.

Nothing else.

Frank's right.

I know that now.

Back to carry this to learn it.

About them that don't know, that don't learn.

What are they going to do to its life?

He's gone without his dinner.

Clubbing today, Jeff?

Aye, I've lost habit.

Eight and three quarters.

Aye.

Ray, listen.

Let's have this one over, lad.

Percy Taylor was caught poaching by Robbins last night.

He just stood there with rabbit in his hand.

And Robbins says, there comes on my land poaching.

Land that my great-great-grandfather's fought for.

And Percy says, reach.

Reaching up, he says.

Take the coat off and I'll pay thee for it.

Twelve percent, right?

Aye.

It's as I said, isn't it?

You've been home yet?

Aye.

You've soon had your dinner.

You're not ten minutes out of school by my clock.

You're a fast eater, aren't you?

Aye, I'm a fast eater.

You know what this is?

Stew.

None of your scrag end, isn't this?

Best stew in state.

From Ramsden's.

Know what I had for this?

No.

Six Yorkshire puddings.

Know what I'm having after this?

No.

Spotted dick and custard.

And the nose, what it adds up to, doesn't it?

When the eyes is bigger than the belly, it pays to be in work.

And when there's no work, there's mustard, aren't there?

Wish I had mustard at our house, like you are.

Keep the voice down a bit, eh?

Some of them don't like it, you see.

Wish I were in work.

I would be, wouldn't I?

Is it dark down at Pit?

Black as alcohol, all.

But they get used to it, don't they?

No point in asking you if you could manage

some after you've had your dinner, is there?

Could manage a taste, couldn't I?

Aye, I could manage a taste.

A big taste or a little taste?

A biggin'.

Show us your paws, then.

Under top, we are.

Is there two feet in him, do you reckon?

How did that come about, then?

I went to see him about Russell's stoppages.

One thing led to the other, like.

When he brought you, you see what you know already.

The chubs are coming up with 12% weight in them.

Aye.

Don't the lads appreciate we've got a dispute coming up?

I mean, can't they keep the dirt down?

We're on record as saying we've no time for them to shovel dirt to purpose.

We're on record as saying that management agreed to clear

bog dust a full yard from the cut, but they don't do it.

You make as much sweat shoveling muck as cold.

The lads are on a bad patch.

Bad patches don't wait on dispute.

Do you want a brew?

No.

Twelve percent.

It's bloody ridiculous.

They didn't vote you on committee to sound like merchant, lad.

They voted you to be forum.

Right or wrong.

Has Fawcett said out about the letter the union sent?

There's a board meeting today, sir.

Lodge meeting tomorrow, then.

Unless they want to see us there in person.

The men's representatives standing there with cups in their hands.

They'll do it, the letter, for fear we leave muck on carpet.

You know that letter you got saying that they'd pit my clause?

Have you thought any more about it?

What letter?

Oh, Jack.

It went, we're all such ought to go.

Far back's place for anonymous letters.

Choose where they come from.

From somebody who's wished us well, you said.

I said up and it was, up and it wasn't.

What difference does it make?

If they want to close, they'll close.

You think I want bloody pit to close?

It's nine years since I were in work.

I've a lad with a newborn baby that works here.

My lass that's expecting another is dependent

on Alan Bacon that gets his living here.

You think I'd willingly be the cause of what had happened to them?

Well, the lad should know.

It'll harden them.

Up and that's what it was meant to do.

Oh, no.

No, Fawcett wouldn't have any trouble with games like that.

Not even if Matey had put it to him.

Andy, you can vouch for him, can you?

You should wait till you're a paid official lad

before you do business on your own upstairs.

He's on our side, if truth were known.

He gives a damn good imitation, then frees pay to the other wives.

Look, it's Matey that wants us to suffer.

Shall we suffer then to please Matey?

I just don't understand what you're getting at, Jack.

You're a young chap.

You'd barely be out of school the last big bust up we had round here.

I don't mean these little skirmishes you've had these last few years.

I mean the real thing.

When you shut the front door and you wait

for death before you give in to the boogers.

For they don't value us, you know.

Not flesh and blood as we are.

Not human thought with human feelings.

Cattle we are to them.

If that's what they think to us, what have we left except what we think to each other?

When you say, let the men know about that letter so they'll harden and cry for blood.

That's cattle talk, son.

That's mating and manipulation.

Well, it's no worse than holding it back from them.

There's the threat of closure at the end of every strike.

We've closed two seams already.

Every man knows it.

Let them issue threats, for it's a threat to choose where it comes from.

Stay with the issue, lad.

We should not take a cut in wages.

We should not do that.

That's more like it.

That's a good straight line, isn't it?

They'll get a lot of agreement on that.

Except from me, I think.

Yes?

Ah, howdy, love.

Oh, sorry from the kitchen window.

I didn't expect you back so soon.

Didn't know it'd be ten minutes.

Ah, Magda's not back.

Jasper took her to Chesterfield yesterday for a long jump.

I thought she'd make it.

Two of the others have.

I thought she was going to break me lock.

Federation winner, I thought.

She was grand on 40 mile.

You said nothing, but I knew you were worried when the wind changed.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Is the board meeting over yet?

Not that I know of.

I'm writing to Jane.

I wondered if I could tell her anything about Christmas.

Whether she should come.

Look, I'll know when the men know, Mary.

Certainly know her earlier.

He's had the notices printed.

I left them at the office.

If the board approve, they'll be put up right away.

Is there a chance they won't?

Eh?

Is there a chance they won't?

Oh, I don't think so.

Come on.

Maitrey doesn't like my reports.

Making excuses for the men, he says.

He shouldn't try living here.

He should try looking them in the eyes when he snatches

the bread out of their mouths, like we have to do.

Is there a chance they'll settle the men?

Oh, I think so, aye.

I think they'll compromise.

They've been getting away with murder over dirt agreement.

Would you in their place?

In their place?

I've never been in their place.

Even the closure means something different to me than it does to them.

Closure?

He's talking like that.

No.

It's just that... putting two and two together...

he's been making some strange moves lately.

He talks about strategy, bargaining, negotiation.

He doesn't understand them, you see.

He thinks he's Wellington of Waterloo.

Ah, Wellington understood his men.

Maitrey doesn't.

Be off with you!

And don't come home.

She's a beauty.

She's a real beauty.

I think that might be mine.

Exhausted.

The wind changed overnight.

Now it's mine all right.

It's not the one we were hoping for, but still.

She's not done for yet.

She'll be right.

You've birds of your own, Barraclough.

We did have.

We ate them in a pie.

The grandson's just taken it up.

Well, I hope he has more luck than I've had.

And me too.

Well, they keep getting a bit more promising each generation.

That's how I do, Cadet.

You have to breed for the future.

You get note for today.

You know what you're after, but you know you'll not likely see it in your time.

It's a big effort for something you'll likely never

see when there's note for you at the end of it.

Aye, it's a long-term job.

Aye, it is that.

Barraclough, I wonder if I... I hope the other turns up that thou was hoping for.

What is it?

I'm looking at thee.

Great lump I am.

Soft you are.

Aye, soft.

I'm glad of it.

I'd not have had it different.

Know me.

Choose what?

Choose what?

Turn thee head again.

Very well.

For?

Because I asked thee.

Come and look at this, Tiger.

There's note to be laid for today, lad.

What's up?

Now, Ethel?

Now, Lofty.

Up you get.

Look, Slippy, get your boots on.

You what?

Don't waste time.

I'll get you snapped in.

What for?

Now, don't just stand there.

Get your umbrella.

Buzz away.

Twenty minutes since.

You'll never make it.

Make it?

I've eight hours yet.

I'm on bloody nights.

Oh, love, I am sorry.

I forgot.

Oh, we're just technically turning.

Just nicely going under.

Oh, let me settle you back again.

It's too late now.

Awaken.

Oh, no, let me settle you.

Go on.

Don't get up.

It's no use now.

Oh, all right, then.

Be awkward.

Be awkward.

At it again.

Is he?

He had a reasonable complaint and he made it.

We know what we're about.

Where's your mum?

She'll have gone to get you a dinner.

She'll have popped into Dora's to keep an eye on her.

Why are you not at work, Lasker?

He's on nights.

While there's still work.

Till you lot bring him out.

You lot?

Who's you lot?

You know who you lot is.

You lot.

The only lot I know is us lot, and that includes you.

What happens when you can't run the house on the money you take off him?

You ask him for more, he has to earn it.

If they don't give it to him and they never do, he withdraws his labour.

You're at the root of it, people like you.

Asking for more bloody money all the time.

When did I last complain about money to you?

You've not had to.

He's gone back on face, hasn't he?

He's earning another ten bob a week.

Should have let me sleep, lass.

Is it right?

I'm sorry, lad.

She riled me.

It slipped off me tongue.

Is it right?

Aye, it's right.

How long?

Five weeks.

It's his wage.

Nay, Dad.

He earned it.

He bled for it.

Nay, Dad.

Go home, Dad.

I'm sorry, lad.

I thought you were struggling with your spends to pay for that cotton prow.

I have, almost.

I've five more payments.

I respected you for it.

You handed me a wage and I trusted you to give me it as it was.

For whatever it was, a lot or a little.

I've done a terrible thing, haven't I?

Wicked I've been.

I've used it to pay for the cotton at Brown for the bairn.

We could have managed.

I told you.

And now we've got a strike hanging over us and we're in debt.

You've got some book by.

Have I?

How do you know?

How bloody well do you know?

And that's it, is it?

Not that I trusted you and that you lied to me and let me down.

I'd have told you when I'd paid off.

I've got enough put by to pay off that debt and last us one week.

And then what do we do?

There was no dull last time, you know.

There'll be no strike.

Lads are ready to settle.

Your dad seems to think different.

Oh, well, me dad's on top, isn't he?

I'm down there working with the lads and I know.

Well, you'll do what union tells you, any road.

You're like bloody sheep.

Sheep, is it?

And we like sheep when they tell us to go back and we don't.

Funny bloody sheep, then, eh?

Eh?

And you've given up smoking too, haven't you, George?

I'm smoking?

Cos there's got me an estate.

Well, it's a good job you've got a packet handy, then, ain't it?

I'm trying to give some thought to the future.

I might as well save it for breakfast, as far as you're concerned.

Put them bloody boots down!

Do that again, I'll clap you!

I'll bloody clap you, I will!

You lay a finger on me once only, George Baratunde, once only!

He's gone.

And he's not coming home to thee this time.

Tiptoeing through the tulips, George?

Looking for somewhere to put the feet of, George?

What's the bloody gawping at?

Thee, sitting on my step, putting thee boots on!

Would I start cutting down, then?

Been talking to that shrew next door, have you?

Well, May seems to think there'll be a stoppage.

It'll not affect her if there is.

There's some what to be said for being on bottom of the ladder.

You can't get much lower.

You will tell me if you think I should.

Stop worrying.

They'll settle.

They will?

I reckon they will, aye.

Thank God for that.

God?

Been having a word with him, have you?

Told you he'd settle it, did he?

Don't make fun, Jack.

I'm a hard case for somebody like thee to have for a husband, aren't I?

I've not complained.

It's a comfort to thee, isn't it, chapel?

Aye, it is.

You'd have it down, wouldn't you?

Nay, if it gives thee comfort, I'm in debt to it.

I'll not take any comfort from thee.

I wish we could have shared it.

I had me full of chapel when I were a lad.

I loved the singing, though.

I used to love singing when I was a lad.

A good tune with a beat to it.

I can remember them all.

You know that?

How's that, then?

Every one I can remember.

Word for word, every one.

I'll tell you what we liked best.

I used to sing...

Stand, stand up, stand up for Jesus He's soldiers of the cross Lift high the royal

banner It must not so for loss From victory unto victory Our armies he shall

lead Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed Barrett sent me.

They've posted notices terminating us employment Tuesday.

They'll take us on again Wednesday at five percent.

If enough to enough.

That's buggered it.

School bell's about to go.

Aye.

We'll be waiting for you when you get there if you're late.

I'm not going.

All right.

Having a stoppage, are you?

Makes no difference if I do go.

I'm a dunce.

I'm bottom of class at Zepp for shoddy doors.

What are you doing that for?

So they can't get back in.

I don't want them.

You could find them another room, couldn't you?

You shouldn't have taken them on if you don't want them.

How would you feel if you were locked out?

I'd be glad.

I'm not just saying that.

I would.

I'd be glad.

I'd go to my dad anyway.

Well, they can't, can't they?

They haven't got no dads.

They have.

Everybody's got a dad.

A pigeon's got a dad.

They have to have to get made.

Obviously, mams have brought him up.

Dads don't count, same as mams, I knows.

Just somebody gets put up with his dads.

And besides, they've left nest now.

They've neither mam nor dad.

You're their dad now, aren't they, mam?

Don't be daft.

It's right.

Who feeds them?

Who cleans up after them?

Who do they come back to?

They come back from instinct.

They don't, I knows.

Not altogether.

They come back to see me, I know, because they like me.

They'll not like me when they come back and

find they've been locked out, though, will they?

They'll feel slighted.

That's some they'll say.

We thought you were a right good lad.

And he's turned out a wrong one.

They might even turn against thee.

Could they blame them?

We're a picket.

I'm a deputy.

There's nobody going in and there's nobody coming out until Union gets here.

Shall we go inside?

We'll stop where the men can see us.

If it's all the same to you.

You know the day shift have refused to come up?

Yes, we know that, sir.

The inspector tells me that some of the women have stones under their aprons.

They're meant for us, in case we falter.

The deputy's a management.

The inspector means to see that they get through.

We're six bobbies.

There are more on way.

We could be heading for a nasty situation.

The men want the notice as withdrawal.

They feel to have been provoked.

The notices were put up on the instructions of the board.

Can we see the board?

The directors have gone.

They're not on premises.

Can we see Mr Murchie?

He's gone back to London.

Do you have a note to say to us?

The men can sign on tomorrow on the terms laid down.

It said Wednesday on the notice.

I'm sorry.

Wednesday was what I meant.

Come on, Jack.

There's naught here for us.

Will the afternoon shift not go on?

No, they'll not.

If they did, in view of the notices, it could be taken as a lockout.

It could mean that the ministry might agree to dole.

I'm thinking of it from your point of view.

Should it go on as it is?

We're obliged to you.

We're thinking on same road.

The shift will not go on.

Choose what we say to them.

I doubt the ministry will agree to dole any road.

Look, there are women and children out there.

If you let the deputies in, it would make things easier.

Ah, well, we can have them do that.

But we can do nought else till we've had a meeting.

We shall do that tonight at the welfare.

And the day shift?

Oh, we shall want the day shift at the meeting.

Look, will Mr. Murchin not negotiate?

Well, the price of this remains the same.

You appreciate.

It's the dirt percentage we're disputing.

Well, if your meeting makes suggestions, I'll see they get to it.

It'll make suggestions all right, whether they'll listen to what we've got to say.

It's all right us promising to let the deputies through, but won't they let us?

Look, I'd be obliged if you'd let me use the office phone, Mr. Fawcett.

I shall need to get on to the association offices.

Well, it's a public box just up the road.

You can use the office phone if you wish.

Well, that'll save time, won't it?

Right bloody waste of time that was.

Mention bloody yes, man.

I didn't expect it otherwise, did I?

Let him out, man.

Let him out.

Let the deputies through.

Hold your bloody horses.

What's going on?

Who says we're to let them through?

Committee says there's a meeting to be held first.

There's a meeting tonight at the welfare.

Never mind tonight.

We want one now.

We aren't the day shift.

Don't the day shift ever say?

The day shift are stopping down.

We're not to sustain them.

For what purpose?

What bloody use is there in that?

Let your hand off my jacket, will you, son?

I'm not your bloody son, brother.

And I'm not your bloody brother, son.

I meant no wrong.

I meant it for the best.

I should have told you when I paid off.

I tried to give up fags, I know.

I tried.

How's your back?

My back, eh?

What about my back?

I said, how is it?

What do you know about my back?

I sleep in the same bed as you.

Don't you recognise me?

It went out.

Is she asleep?

No, she's asleep.

Wish I were asleep.

Wish I could sleep through it all to a better life.

I won't deceive you no more.

I swear I'm not.

Your mum's just been in.

I suppose you know they've got the bobbies out, that you've all got notice.

I saw my dad at Pip Gates.

In his element, were he?

I reckon he's for settling.

I'll believe that when I see it.

No, it's right.

I think.

Yeah, aye, you think.

And while you're waiting for him coming down one

street, he's sneaking down another, that's your dad.

Hey, Ethel, he's straight.

Only they've been affronted be matching.

They're not after me dad, a lot of them won't.

They will.

It's the best art unto him if he does mean they should settle.

And better.

God knows what'll happen to us if they don't.

I'll deceive them no more.

Honest.

Why don't you take your boots off?

Hey, there's a meeting tonight at welfare.

You didn't take your rest.

Aye, and I'm wore out with chewing that mutton from Ramsden.

It's not the mutton, Jack.

You should get that bottom set of teeth.

At a time like this, I might as well buy myself a sun hat in winter.

How did it go?

If Machen wanted to set them against a settlement, he's done it.

Well, why should he want to do that?

He's got a mind like a bloody priceless.

The only chap that can understand it is him that draws it up and he'd not swear to it.

Will the men not be satisfied then?

It's not satisfaction we're after, Polly.

It's respect.

Respect?

For that they've been treated as less than the muck that they shovel.

Aye, and they'll get to be like them that treats them so

in time, and then there'll be no choosing between them.

Why don't the lads back us up, says Barrett?

Why don't they keep Dirt down?

If he'd out about him, he'd no need to ask.

Why do we want to be treated like men?

He could ask himself that to more purpose.

They shovel Dirt because they've signed an agreement not to.

It takes two to sign an agreement and neither one

trusts the other, else there'd be no need to sign.

Some shovels Dirt because they're idle.

Some because they don't see why the idle buggers should get away with.

Some because they've no option.

It works right down the line.

No trust, Polly, no trust.

Well, it's human nature, Jack.

I mean, you've said it yourself.

Can human nature not be changed, then?

We should ask ourselves that, not each other.

We should change ourselves if we're to expect change in others.

What faults are they that they season me, then?

You know what life made you.

I know.

I've watched it happen.

It's fault I find in life, not in you.

What fault, Polly?

I'm in need of truth tonight.

Happen that's it.

Happen you've said it.

Look, that's what we're short of.

A need of truth.

I don't have the mind to grapple with such things.

No more do I, love.

No more do I.

But I've tasted the slur and I've been sickened because I've

felt myself to be more than what I've been allowed to be.

I've been belittled and I've turned on a bit and I don't regret it.

But I regret it had to be like that.

I beg God, I do.

I wish we'd talked like this more in the past.

Haven't I'd have understood better?

I've belittled thee too, haven't I?

That's another thing that gets passed down the line.

I'll walk.

I'll take a walk.

I shall have to speak tonight.

What shall I say?

I've no words, Polly.

At the welfare, is it?

If I don't come straight back, you'll know I've gone there.

You should have bought a coat against the winter that's come in.

Aye.

A coat and a bottom set of teeth, and I'd be a king, wouldn't I?

Mum?

Sam's it you?

Where are you, Mum?

I'm down here by the table.

I've had a fall.

It's nothing.

Get your gran for me, will you?

Shall I light a gas for you?

No, just get your gran here.

I'll light the pigeons back.

Please, Sam.

Touch me, Gran.

Shut up!

Shut up, can't you?

Shut up!

And let's say what he's sorry about.

I'm sorry about the candles, lads.

As you know, we're changing over to electricity,

and the gas has been turned off for some reason.

There'll be a bit of a delay while we wait for a bus from Toppet Knob.

The lads from up there wouldn't thank us if we started without them.

They should walk and save their furs.

They'll need them.

Who's that?

It's Harry Wenham from Little Moscow.

They're all here tonight.

Now, swats a lot, don't they?

There's a lad outside from Thexpress wanting to be let in.

Tell him to take his oath, then.

It's Jack Freeman's lad.

He should know better than to worm his way in here.

It's Gilbert and Sullivan at Bath's next month, tell him.

Ah, well, he says he's heard of the threat to close Skeleton.

Where did he get that tidbit from?

He says a little bird told him.

Is her husband about?

Oh, they're not.

He's... Oh, I'm sorry, Polly.

I'd forgotten.

He's at work.

Oh, we'll need to get her into the infirmary, you know.

Apart from the ankle, there's the pregnancy to consider.

She usually sees Dr Willie, doesn't she?

Yes, Doctor.

I'll see to the ambulance in a quarter of an hour or so.

Has Jack done anything about that bottom set yet?

No, Doctor.

He'll never get his stomach into shape until he does.

Well, he knows that, but...

Take that to the dispensary as soon as surgery opens tomorrow, if not today.

It's for you.

Good night, Polly.

Good night, Doctor.

Sam, love.

Now, you're not to worry about anything.

Your Gran's in charge, isn't she?

Yes, Gran.

I want you to go down to Welfare and see your Grandad.

Tell him what's happened and ask him if he can get Alan out of it.

Now, what have I asked you?

In 1928, they made the same claim.

And again in 1929.

And then, what happened in 1931?

The skeleton's been working tonight, Wendy.

Hey, we didn't come here for a history lesson.

It's all the same old story.

That's right, comrade, it is.

But the platform's right to remind us.

We don't need reminding.

We've lived through it.

There's a lot of the younger end that haven't.

I'm hoping to get on to what we've come about.

No, he's not.

He's right.

On that point of order... Let's hear from the Check Weyman.

I don't need to take his name.

I know his name, and yours.

I know most of your names and most of your motives.

I'm Check Weyman here.

It's my job to stand there while they sort muck from coal.

It's my job to see that the percentage of

dirt recorded is the percentage that's there.

And not what the owners would like to think is there.

That's when you find out who your mates are.

How do you mean, Batterclough?

I mean, as against them lazy boogers that deliberately fills dirt.

Shut up, Charlie.

Me?

I haven't said out.

You were going to, though.

You were going to say what I've often said to others.

That we've struck a bad patch.

We all like to think the best of us all.

Not to mention ourselves.

But we were right in first place.

When we signed that first agreement that got the percentage we've just lost.

For men that deliberately fill dirt, we said, for

men that deliberately fill dirt, we have no use.

And why did we say that?

Why?

Because we knew that the men that did were playing into the hands of the owners.

That for every shovelful of muck they chanced to get away with, somebody else,

one of us, would pay the penalty.

That being so, that being so, the first demand we should make of the owners is

that only them that fills the dirt should be penalised and not them that don't.

You'll be asking for that when we are dead and buried.

What's going on now?

We have been provoked today by a move on the part of the

management that was intended, intended to provoke us.

And they know, and we know, that to suggest that we sign on again on Wednesday

we have 5% dirt allowance is bloody ridiculous.

7% we get now.

And on price list as it stands, and they don't deny it should stand,

we are the best paid pit in the area.

So we should be.

It's the hardest thing.

It seems hardest.

I stood for that agreement, me and the committee at that time.

They offered us six and we said no.

We stood for the full seven.

We stood for it and we got it.

And for nine years because we stood for it they kept me out of work.

And that's part of the extra lesson to Kirby.

It's been mentioned on this platform tonight, and if it hadn't you would not

have heard it from me, that if we carry on the

fight to keep that 7% they'll close pit on us.

We'll bloody close it first.

Well, we've heard that before.

We've heard it.

And we know somewhat of what it'd mean.

Because we know what it's meant in past when it seems been closed.

But Skeleton grew up around this pit.

It's all we've got.

Take it away and there's nought.

Nought for any of us.

Aye, and nought for them neither you'll happen to say.

But that's not so.

They can get coal at Martin and Cuddy and they can get it

cheaper, that's what they'll say, and they'll be right.

And why can they get it cheaper?

Because a man that works at Skeleton gets paid more for

his labour than a man that works at Martin and Cuddy.

Aye, that's bugger all too.

And there's an answer to that too.

That we carry Cuddy and Martin, we is in the fight.

Aye, carry them all along.

7% for everyone.

They can't.

They can't close all three.

Maitre knows that.

He knows someone else too.

He knows what any of you that's worked at Cuddy or Martin knows.

That Skeleton men aren't liked.

Not just by the owners, we take that for granted.

But by them that works there.

Us all.

And why aren't they liked?

You know the answer as well as I do.

Because for the same labour, we get the greater reward.

We did.

We did earn it.

We did fight for it.

But we fought on us all.

Because that's the way things were then.

We knew the value of solidarity and they didn't.

We fought on us all and we left others behind us.

Let them bloody catch up then.

Is Maitre in the hall today?

I hear Maitre's voice.

It's his watchword.

It's easy for him.

He's got that much of a start on us, he knows what chance we stand of catching up.

Let them bleed, he says.

Let them catch up, he says.

It's not them we're talking about, brother.

It's us.

I move that we negotiate a compromise agreement for 6% dirt.

Putting us in line with the rest of the coalfield.

Solidarity, yes, but at what price?

Putting us in line with the rest of the coalfield.

And from that base, that we fight level and together with the rest.

Not divided as we are, but united.

I'm asking him to take a cut in pay.

Don't put him for it in the first place.

We're not going back on it, no.

If we don't unite, if we don't close the ranks, then God help the future.

And the future's all we've got to gain, you and me, that's worth out.

Not our future, oh no.

There's little enough of what we want for ourselves that we shall get in this life.

But we've had it better than what us fathers had, poor sods.

We shall die in the muck we've lived and worked in.

We shall die in a war that's been waged since before we was born.

It's others that shall reap what we sowed, that shall stand on our shoulders as we

stood on the shoulders of them that stood fast before us.

For are we not the men us fathers were?

Go, bitch!

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