A strike broke out on Monday among the dock labourers at Limerick Docks who were engaged in unloading coal from two vessels. The vessels in question were the steam ships “Fleswick,” carrying a cargo of coal from a Welsh colliery for Messrs. Mullwk & Sons, and the “Switae,” arriving from Whitehaven collieries. The labourers’ wage had been set at 5 shillings per day, and they demanded an increase to 6 shillings.

The demand for a wage increase originally came from the “fillers,” who were the men working in the holds of the ships. Other labourers joined in the demand, but the request was met with refusal from the employers. As a result, six or seven gangs comprising around 60 to 80 men decided to stop work. This had a cascading effect, leading to the carmen losing their jobs as well. They gathered in Lower Cecil Street, idle and uncertain about their next move for the day.

A few weeks ago, the quay labourers had re-established their Society, and they believed that a demand for higher wages, supported by collective action, was justified. However, the owners of the vessels maintain that they have no intention of giving in to the demands. They argue that the labourers are already well treated and adequately compensated for even a partial day’s work. Additionally, it has been mentioned that the vessels might be redirected elsewhere for unloading if the strike persists.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 22 August 1905