The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-25 00:00:00

BLACKHEATH.

TRE RIVET TRADE.—Reeently there was some agita-
tion amongst the operatives employed in the above trade
in consequence of a proposed reduction, but action was
postponed until the expiration of the agreement which
was come to last November, when the men submitted to
a reduction of 10 per cent. This agreement expires on
Saturday next, and to consider what course of action
shall be taken a meeting was held on Monday evening in
the large room at the Handel Hotel, Blackheath. Mr
S. Parsons presided; there was a large attendance.—
The Chairman said that when the men consented to the
10 per cent, reduction in last November they were told
it would benefit the trade, and accepted it in the hope
that such would be the result. Since, then, however,
he could not see that the trade had been benefited in
the slightest degree. Already there were a great many
" out-workers " beginning to work at another reduc-
tion, and the masters were endeavouring to bring about
a drop generally amongst the factory hands as well as
the others equal to 10 per cent. more; so that if this
were accomplished the men would really be working at
prices 20 per cent. less than they were when under the
old list before November. He believed the employers
were fully aware that they were determined to resist
this, and meant, if possible, to get back to the old list
instead of submitting to any further reduction. (Hear,
hear.) At present they had staring them in the face
the certainty that if they did not take some combined
measures and demand a proper arrangement tiny would
have to submit to a total redaction of 20 per cent„
whether they liked or not. If there was nothing else
that would bring the masters to concede their terms-
-and it must be remembered that in November they
said when May came, if trade was in such a state as to
warrant it, they should only be to happy to grant the
increase again—they must have a general strike and
back their demand for the old list with force. (Hear,
hear.) It was better they should make 300 at a proper
price than make 500 and starve ; and, therefore, if the
masters refused their. old list price he hoped every
'• °liver " in the district would cease work, and there
would be a general turn out till they got them.
(Cheers.)—A. Workman, wile next addressed the meet-
ing, urged that it was the outworkers and " blacklegs"
who were creating all the difficulties between the
masters and the men by taking out work under the
others He advised that they should try to bring about
mutuil understanding with these ontworkers, and insist
on the general standard price being always paid. If
the outworkers still took out work at under list prices,
then they must strike until the master " sacked "
them. He considered, however, that under the present
conditions of trade they must be content with preventing
any further reduction and not struggle for another 10
per cent, increase until they had a more favourable
opportunity.—The Chairman acknowledged that he
scarcely thought they should be able to obtain a rise at
present, but it was better to demand a rise than sacrifice
another 10 per cent. (Hear. hear.) They must do
something decisive, for next week, it they did not, he
was quite certain there would be a great many more
working at the reductiGn than at preseut.—Mr. Isaac
Cashmore next speke, and denied that any improvement
in the trade had resulted from the increase in wages.
He pointed out that already outworkers were working
as low as 4s 61. (" Shame ")—and they must act
promptly,—When the question was put as to whether a
reduction would be submitted to there was
loud cries of "No," and it was afterwards
unanimously resolved to inform the masters that next
Saturday the present agreement would be cancelled, and
the members would not resume work until they were
give's back the 10 per cent. taken from them in
November.—The riot in Lancashire was referred to in
the course of the proceedings, and the c mduct of the
operatives was defended by speakers