Women and children, mining

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Women and children, mining

Women and children of the mining districts. Children would gather coal. A Typical Pit-brow Woman; She was one of the 6, 221 females employed above ground. Images of wives waiting for their husbands to return with strike pay. The Pit-Brow girls would wear head dresses to prevent coal getting into their hair. The national coal strike of 1912 was the first national strike by coal miners in the United Kingdom. Its main goal was securing a minimum wage. Date: 1912

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Media ID 32251614

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Brow Coal Crisis Issue Mine Miners Minimum Petition Reservation Reserves Stations Strike Striking Wage

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant photograph captures the grim reality of life for women and children in the mining districts during the National Coal Strike of 1912. The image shows a group of women and young girls, dressed in shawls and headscarves, gathered around a coal pile, with baskets in hand, ready to collect the precious fuel. The women, known as 'pit-brow' women, were among the 6,221 females employed above ground, performing essential tasks such as sorting and loading coal. The scene is a stark reminder of the harsh living conditions endured by families whose livelihoods depended on the coal mines. With husbands and fathers striking for a minimum wage, many women were left to provide for their families, often working long hours in dangerous conditions. The pit-brow girls, dressed in head dresses to prevent coal from getting into their hair, were among the youngest workers. The National Coal Strike of 1912 was the first national strike by coal miners in the United Kingdom, marking a significant moment in labor history. The main goal of the strike was securing a minimum wage, a demand that was met with resistance from mine owners and the government. The crisis lasted for several months, causing widespread hardship and uncertainty for mining communities. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by women and children during this period, and the broader social and political issues that underpinned the strike. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of working-class communities, and the importance of collective action in the face of economic and social injustice.

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