Proposed Strike at Penhryn · AditNow Community

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AndyC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

14 years ago

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-14667020

Quarry workers in north Wales have voted to take industrial action in a dispute with bosses over a pay freeze.

Welsh Slate, based at Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Gwynedd, employs 211 people across four quarry sites in north Wales.

The Unite union represents 164 of the workers and 81% voted to take action which could start next week.

Been injured while at work and are not to blame?

Get over it.

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ChrisJC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

An emotive subject indeed!

I thought going on strike was like adding nails to the coffin of your industry. I'm sure the Chinese quarrymen are all for a Penrhyn strike.

Chris.

agricola
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

Didn't this happen once before some years ago, when the strike was over, Marleys were making clay tiles so no one wanted slates 😞

If it can't be grown it has to be mined.

derrickman
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

I'm sorry to say that I'd have deep misgivings, whatever their sense of grievance

''the stopes soared beyond the range of our caplamps' - David Bick...... How times change .... oh, I don't know, I've still got a lamp like that.

AndyC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

14 years ago

Indeed, I believe you should think very carefully about the long-term future before striking.

For example, I am sure that I am not the only person who will never, ever book a flight with British Airways, for fear that they may be striking when I wish to fly. Regardless of any sympathy I may have for their grievences.

Been injured while at work and are not to blame?

Get over it.

JohnnearCfon
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

"agricola" wrote:
Didn't this happen once before some years ago, when the strike was over, Marleys were making clay tiles so no one wanted slates :(

Does anyone ever learn from history though? :lol:

Interesting they are still saying four sites.

Peter Burgess
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

I suspect those voting to strike are more concerned about their immediate future in trying to make ends meet rather than the longer term future of the industry. I suspect they would have few words or thoughts to spare for those who would like to see the industry survive at the cost of their own standard of living. And I suspect that many of us here would have the same view if others viewed OUR spheres of employment in the same way. You may be right in saying the slate trade is under greater risk as a result of striking, but if the trade can no longer afford to pay its workers a reasonable wage, perhaps it is a sign that the business is in terminal decline anyway, strikes or no strikes.

Manicminer
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

If I have understood correctly the company will pay off the debt of the fraud by Christmas and then there will be money for a wage rise afterwards. Some of the workers are unwilling to wait so they voted for a strike. If they worked a bit harder/more efficient then there would have been money in the kitty for a wage rise a long time ago.

Gold is where you find it

Peter Burgess
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

Sorry - comment removed - I didn't read the news item properly! 😞

Coggy
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#10

In a market where much cheaper products are available from the Far East, it beggars belief that workers would vote to destroy their industry.

if eight out of ten cats all prefer Whiskas
Do the other two prefer Lesley Judd ?

Digit
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#11

BBC Wales is now reporting that the strike will not take place:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-14761093

~~~ The future is not what it used to be ~~~

Brakeman
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#12

I see common sense has prevailed then, good.

The management thanks you for your co operation.

simonrl
51% (Neutral)
Administration

14 years ago

#13

Good - would have been a really bad thing for the industry IMO if it had gone ahead.

my orders are to sit here and watch the world go by

AndyC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

14 years ago

#14

I agree with both posts above.

That said I guess the wages are pretty bloody awfl. But it is better than no job, and carries on a heritage the region can be proud of.

Of course I do hope that in time working renumeration improves for the workers in the industry.

Been injured while at work and are not to blame?

Get over it.

Aditaddict
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#15

Welsh slate is a very expensive product
in 40 years in the building industry i have never come across "New" Welsh slate , up in the North West you can buy Italian , Spanish and Chinese slate "New"Cheaper than you can buy second hand Welsh slates .

blondin
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#16

"Aditaddict" wrote:
Welsh slate is a very expensive product
in 40 years in the building industry i have never come across "New" Welsh slate , up in the North West you can buy Italian , Spanish and Chinese slate "New"Cheaper than you can buy second hand Welsh slates .

Very expensive but you get what you pay for.I would agree that new welsh slate is rarely to be seen,as everyone understandably tends to go for the cheaper option.Seems to have dwindled into a very "small niche "industry,supplying heritage and conservation.Maybe its the slab,block,and fulersite that makes the money these days.

ChrisJC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#17

"AndyC" wrote:

That said I guess the wages are pretty bloody awfl.

What are the average quarrymans wages then?

Chris.

Aditaddict
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#18

totally agree ,Welsh is by far the best there is , You would think with modern production methods that they could compete with the foreign imports

Just as a digression there is a former pub near me that is being turned into an Indian curry house
they have extended it , and it seems the planners have insisted they match the roof of the extension to the original
so they have just installed a brand new green lakeland slate roof on it and it looks superb not a traditional green slate roof because all the slates are one size but still very pleasing on the eye !

JohnnearCfon
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#19

I was reading a planning application (near Dolgellau) for an extension and that said it had to be roofed with "slate from the Blaenau Ffestiniog area".