In October, Maheu is anxious because the Company, “[p]anicked by the worsening industrial crisis” (175), has once again found an excuse to halt work. Also, a Company doctor has declared Bonnemort can’t work because of his bad legs. Bonnemort is convinced they seek to deny him his pension.

At Rasseneur’s, Étienne ponders how “there was bound to be a stand-off” (176). Souvarine believes the Company has been trying to reduce costs because of a pile up of coal and that they will try to “gradually whittle their wages down” (177). He says the Company may even orchestrate a strike that would “bring its workforce to heel” (177). It would also mean the depleting of the provident fund before it grew too large. Rasseneur, jealous of Étienne’s popularity, tries to be sensible, stating a strike is in no one’s best interest, and Mme. Rasseneur remarks that he has “no guts” (178). Étienne is frustrated that he hasn’t been able to convince any workers to join the International Workers’ Association.

Étienne and Maheu go to Montsou to collect their wages. In the cashier’s office, the miners ask Étienne to read a posted notice.