Luton and munitions workers strike threat

Digest of stories from the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: July 27, 1918.

A week ago in Luton there was some concern in Luton as to what would happen in the event of the Coventry munition workers coming out on strike.

Less than 12 months ago a man with a protection certificate was unable to leave his work and take work elsewhere without official sanction. That condition was withdrawn, and it was then stipulated that it might be necessary to prevent firms employing additional labour. That is the embargo now in operation, and the reason why the men of Coventry and Birmingham are district are on strike.

The men asserted there are 100,000 out in Birmingham and 20,000 in Coventry, but an official statement claims there are only about 16,000 in all on strike.

The fear on the men's part seems to be that the men of high grade will be eliminated and put into khaki. The real points at issue, to our mind, seem to be that an assurance is required from the Ministry of Munitions (1) that unskilled men shall not take skilled men's jobs under the recognised rate of pay and (2) that men shall not be put into khaki and then sent back as soldiers to work on the bench at their own trades.

We believe the majority of the munition workers in Luton, the older and saner section at any rate, would be perfectly satisfied if these two conditions were observed. Men who know the conditions in munition works are amazed at the simplicity of some of the so-called skilled work which some of the men are doing under protection certificates, but there is undoubtedly a considerable amount of work of a higher technical character for which men specially trained are required.

It is an important fact that many of the Trade Unions concerned have disowned responsibility for the impasse and disapprove of the action of the men. There is, without doubt, strong feeling in many quarters against so many young men being allowed to remain in munition work while other of similar age are fighting in France.

The Government has warned that protection certificates will be withdrawn if the strike continues, and the men involved become liable to the provisions of the Military Service Acts.

  • A serious accident occurred in Ashton Road on Thursday morning, resulting in injuries to Pte George A. Reeves, a soldier from the London Road veterinary depot. Reeves was driving a horse and cart down the steep hill when a passing tramcar startled the horse. It dashed down the hill, Reeves pluckily holding on to the reins. The animal went on to the footpath, and its career was brought to a stop by a tramway standard with which it collided. Reeves was thrown out and sustained a broken forearm and severe bruises. The horse was badly cut, and the front of the cart smashed in. The soldier was removed to the Bute Hospital in a military motor car.

  • There are to be several interesting changes in the Luton Wesleyan Circuits at the end of next month. The Rev E. Lightwood Smith, of Waller Street, has been appointed superintendent of Sydenham Circuit, and his last appointment in Luton is for August 11th. His successor will be the Rev Graham Payn, now stationed at Kings Lynn. At Chapel Street, the Rev J. A. Clapperton is leaving for Peterborough and will be succeeded by the Rev Dr Paul, who comes from Rochester district. During the last few months of Rev Clapperton's ministry the church has been entirely freed from debt.

  • A social gathering of members of the Primitive Methodist Luton First Circuit was held at High Town Church on Wednesday evening to welcome the Rev and Mrs W. Dean Turner. Mr Turner comes to Luton from High Wycombe Circuit.

  • The Guild of Help has changed its name to Luton Guild of Service. This was done at a meeting held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening.

  • Last Saturday the people of Luton contributed generously to the Sick and Wounded Horses Fund of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the occasion being a flag day organised by the local branch of that body. The total amount collected was £153 0s 5½d.

  • An excellent entertainment was given from the Bandstand, Wardown, on Wednesday evening to a large and appreciative audience in aid of the 'N.T.F.' Prisoners of War Fund. The proceeds were approaching £10.

  • Between £18 and £20 was raised as the result of the concert given at Fairlight, Hart Hill, Luton, on Wednesday, in aid of the funds of the Wardown V.A.D. Hospital. The event was arranged by Miss Scarth-Dixon and some friends, and the programme was keenly enjoyed by the large company present.