International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest

Extract

In February 1959 a major revolt took place in the Borinage, the oldest coalfield in Belgium. Aware of the structural problems of the coal mines, the Belgian government had joined with France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany in an agreement to pool coal and steel resources through the Schuman Plan. With the prospect of the Common Market, Belgian coal, compared to other coal partners, was at a disadvantage. In fact, the price of coal was much higher in Belgium than in Germany or the Netherlands. Brought on by the resulting closure of the Borinage pits, this spontaneous movement marked the first sign of the unavoidable decline of the coal industry in Europe and was the first major social crisis since the start of the European Coal and Steel Community. In spite of investments to develop infrastructure in the Borinage so that Belgian coal could enjoy the benefits of this planned cooperative, by 1958 stockpiles and unemployment had greatly increased, especially in the unprofitable collieries in Belgium. There were 28 mines in 1950, 18 in 1959, and 9 in 1960. The number of mineworkers decreased from 26,000 to 12,000 between 1950 and 1960. The main problem was the single-industry characteristic of the Borinage. Indeed, the coal industry was the center of all economic activities. Because of this regional recession, and with the pressure of the High Authority of the ECSC, ... log in or subscribe to read full text