Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Cardiff, Penarth and Barry Coaltrimmers' Union . . .

Looking back at the work of the Coaltrimmers' Union I selected the following articles and news reports:-

◊ 1895 - Coaltrimmers' Union - 'A special meeting of the Cardiff, Penarth, and Barry Coaltrimmers' Union was held at Gladstone Hall, Cardiff, on Saturday, for the purpose of arousing greater interest among the men in the work of the Union. Mr J. Thomas presided over a crowded meeting, and he was supported by the executive. the following resolution was unanimously carried : - " That this meeting of coaltrimmers expresses its appreciation of the efforts now being made by the Dockers' Union executive to again organise the unskilled workmen of Cardiff, as, in the opinion of this meeting, disorganised labour is inimical to the best interest of the toiling masses, and calls upon everyman working on the coal at the various wharves in the port to at once join the Coaltrimmers' Union." - Cardiff Times - [019] [361] - 28th September 1895.

The Minutes of Trades Union Congress (TUC) meeting at Manchester Mechanics Institution during 1896 had the following entry : -

◊ 1896 - PAYMENT TO WITNESSES.

Mr. J. Thomas (Cardiff), for the Cardiff, Penarth, and Barry Coal Trimmers’ Union, moved :—

That whereas leading coal trimmers and their mates have frequently to attend inquiries at Cardiff and other ports in the United Kingdom into the loss of vessels and steamers, and give very important and material evidence that could not be given by anyone else, the Parliamentary Committee be requested to urge the Board of Trade to revise the present scale of payments and fix the rate of pay for this class of witness at 15s. per day in addition to their travelling expenses.

Mr. Jenkins (Cardiff) seconded, and the motion was carried.

◊ 1898 - Cardiff, Penarth and Barry Coaltrimmers' - Relief Measures by the Association - A largely-attended executive meeting of the Coaltrimmers' Union  was held at Bryan's Railway Coffee Tavern, Cardiff, on Saturday evening, when it was unanimously decided to use part of the funds now in the coffers of the Union towards relieving the most urgent cases of distress among the members. . . .