Haggard and unshaven striking miners emerged from their five day stay-in at Corrimal Colliery to the cheers of their wives and children. They were part of the first ever stay-in of miners at a South Coast Mine. The cause? A cup of tea.
In 1957 a new manager had stirred up unrest by issuing a series of directives that became known as the Ten Commandments. Trouble came to a head when an order outlawing the practice of drinking a cuppa and having a sandwich underground before starting work was issued. A pair of miners who had been caught having a drink were suspended, bringing the rest of the miners out in sympathy.
The practice of having a drink and a sandwich underground before commencing mining was long-standing. Not unreasonable given that the men had walked two miles from the pit entrance to get to the coal face.
On that same shift, 76 miners elected to stay underground striking until their demands were met. They spent four nights underground sleeping on makeshift beds and eating food supplied by the women from the Corrimal Women’s Auxiliary (pictured above).
Solidarity among miners and their families as always was strong. Miners from six South Coast mines quickly came out on strike in support and on 17 October 1957, 1000 men marched to Corrimal Colliery. The Miners Federation also made a pledge of financial and moral support.
The men emerged after five days to attend a conference with management, but continued their strike above ground until their demands were met.
By Tuesday of the next week, victorious miners were back at work, after management agreed to withdraw all points that encroached on workers’ conditions. Miners were allowed to have their drink of water and sandwich, provided “the privilege is not abused”.
The Wollongong City Libraries Local Studies Collection includes a wealth of information about our city’s rich industrial history. If you would like to find out more, email localhistory@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or phone us on 4227 7414.
