Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday, 16 July 1904

The Denaby Strike

In a recent interview with Mr. Enoch Edwards, the President of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain, that gentleman referred to the litigation which has arisen as the result of the Denaby strike. He explained that although the matter was originally one for the Yorkshire Association itself to deal with, the Federation had now stepped in since the litigation had reached the point of appeal.

“Under our rules,” said Mr. Edwards, “all the affiliated associations enjoy a sort of Home Rule, but if they get into an action of this sort, then the Federation comes into the matter and fights the appeal—when it reaches that stage.”

Mr. Edwards added the opinion that the Denaby case was regarded as of more importance than the Taff Vale litigation, because, he said:—

“It is an action with quite revolutionary possibilities. If a man leaves his employment without notice, the company can sue him personally for damages. In this case they have not sued the men, they have sued the men’s organisation.”

The President of the Miners’ Federation was by no means sanguine as to the probable result of the appeal proceedings, but he stated that the Federation is determined to carry the case through to the House of Lords.