JNF-The-Working-Class-Struggle-of-Half-a-Century

the notice, was that employees were forced to come forward and stress
their hardship. While living costs went up by fifteen percent, they had
been given ten percent more wages to cope with the rise and the matter
was sealed there, as far as management was concerned. If the increased
cost of daily necessities did not rise afterwards from fifteen to twenty
percent completely, the level of wages was not to be moved. There was
nothing like ‘negotiation’ in existence as a means of giving the workers’
side a hearing. In face of such a state of affairs, the walk-out by the
workers was a natural consequence.
Wounds of Battle
On the first day of the strike, the workmen all came together at their
meeting hall to evaluate the situation and map out a course of action.
They aired their grievances freely and frankly. Then they chose two
leaders to make representations on their behalf. At the same time they
were advised to refrain from any action which might bring discredit to
the ranks. Special committees were set up to handle various aspects of
the situation. A ‘games committee’ was put into action to organize
cricket and football at Warner Park. These and other forms of recreation
helped to keep the men together and greatly strengthened the prevailing
courageous spirit. The ‘food front’ was an important factor in
the strategy of industrial battle. Voluntary gifts of foodstuffs and money
were donated in support of the workers’ cause. A food distribution
centre was opened at Fort Thomas Road near Westbourne Street at the
beginning of the second week. Sympathisers in large numbers rallied to
the call for relief. Many of these were by no means wealthy. They
were moved by strong human motives to aid their fellow men in distress.
The special committee which spearheaded the effort made frequent
contact with management’s representatives and reported back to
the mass labour meeting which was held nearly every day. The factory
management received the workers’ delegations with promptness and
much courtesy but behind this frontage, the firm resolve to crush the
spirit of the workers could not be concealed. At the end of one of the
meetings with management, touching the position of the men on strike,
the workers’ delegates were calmly told, they will come back.
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