Cape Breton's Magazine

(we) gave it up to? Tom Kent. And do you know the reason why--well, we actually didn't give it up. Because, he put the mon? ey on the wages. But he needed something for the government. They were squeezing him. And he needed something, to show, you know, that he was making progress. And 60% of the men at the time were burning oil. (Sixty percent of the coal miners!) Yeah. Were burning oil, at that time. So, Tom Kent asked me, "How about doing me a favour?" I said, "What is it, Tom?" "How about you getting a raise in the price of coal for me?" "Well," I said, "you know me." I said, "I'm opposed to that Unalterably. But," I said, "you are probably one of the best men I ever did business with." "Well," he said, "you don't tell me that too often." I said, "Having said it, now, don't even put it in the minutes, 'cause I'll deny it to? morrow!" Laughs. He started to laugh. "But," I said, "are you telling me why you're asking me for that? Give me a rea? son." I said, "Explain it to me, and allow me to use it. I'm not going to ask my men to do anything unless I can tell them why." Well, he told me. I believed him. He had good credibility with me, you know. Oh, I told the men. I went to every local. We kept it out of the press. Well, once it goes into the local it gets all through the pit, anyway--spreads. But you keep it out of the press. (I told the men) he's got to have this. For psychological reasons he needs it with the government. But, he'll reimburse you on this end. And I said, "You fellows burning the oil are going to make money on this! Sixty percent of you." I knew every? thing, what was going on then. And the men said, "Sure. Okay." Now, I'd never let him touch the pension? ers- -the pensioners were seven dollars a ton. I wouldn't touch that. (And that's the only thing you can see that you gave up over all the years.) That's it. That's it. We were gaining--we were trying to get back what we lost in 1947! We lost everything! So. everything was a gain. We gave nothing away-- absolutely nothing. Period. (Did you ever have a time when you didn't get what you wanted?) Oh, lots of times we didn't get stuff. (I mean, what sort of thing would you go for, ask for, demand-- but you wouldn't get it?) Oh, lots of '''Hn''HH''MH''HiiM'M things you' d be IF YOU'RE NOT OVERNIGHTING WITH US, DROP BY ANYWAY AND ENJOY... The Atlantic Restaurant A casual eatery on the edge of the ocean overlooking North Bay. Serving attractively priced snacks and full meals. The Highland Sitting Room A wonderfully comfortable lounge offering light food and beverages with easy listening live entertainment nightly. KBjJjgtgpGF oM'Ae CABOT TRAIL in INGONISH BEACH (902) 285-2880 The Purple Thistle Dining Room With spectacular views of the sea and a reputation for dining excellence, the Purple Thistle offers a superb variety of menu items appealing to every taste. Seafood is a specialty. The Birch Tree Shop Fine crafts, distinctive gifts, and collectibles. looking for, you wouldn't get. You'd never get the amount of wages you were looking for. You know? You wouldn't get the welfare deal that you'd be looking for.... Every? thing was a com? promise. You nev? er in God's world ever got what you were looking for. Particularly me. Do you know what? Holy smokes--I was a miracle man! All right. You go...as a un? ion president, see all these guys--I used to Gas Tank Replacements & Repairs For Personal Efficient Sen/ice: Call 539-2122 Sydney Radiator New Heaters & Radiators or Repairs We Service and Ship 121 Prince Street, Sydney Anywhere on cape Breton island 20 Years a Family Business 2 Years Wan'anty on All Parts * We Accept VISA & MASTERCARD 80