Footnotes to Quarry strike memorial, Bethesda
FOOTNOTES: The background to the strike
In 1900 the Penrhyn quarry management prohibited collection of union dues on the premises. In October, 26 men were sacked for allegedly attacking contractors who had agreed to work on one part of the quarry. When the sacked men’s case eventually came before magistrates, most of the workforce marched to Bangor in support of their colleagues.
Those who marched were suspended from the quarry for a fortnight, but they marched to Bangor again for the conclusion of the court case, when 20 of the 26 were found not guilty. After the fornight’s suspension, large parts of the quarry were temporarily closed, leaving 800 men without work. The remaining 2,000 quarrymen downed tools in sympathy on 22 November 1900.
The strike continued until November 1903, depleting Lord Penrhyn’s personal wealth. The community was split as some quarrymen returned to work during the strike. Strikers’ families proudly displayed window posters proclaiming: “Nid oes bradwr yn y ty hwn.” (“There is no traitor in this house.”)
High-quality roofing slate is still produced at Penrhyn quarry, now owned by Welsh Slate Ltd. Modern equipment enables the quarry to operate with under 10% of the workforce of 1900.