October 10th, 1917

Executive Meeting held Wednesday, October 10th at 3 pm

Members present:-Miss Emily Cox (chair), Miss Margaret Ashton, Miss F. Ashcroft, Mrs. Withington, Mr. G.V. Cox, and Mr. H.V. Herford.

Apology. An apology of absence was received from Mrs Findlay.

Minutes. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted.

Garden party. Arising out of the minutes, the Secretary reported that she had now a further £2.00 in hand for the garden party fund.

Finance. The financial report was presented by the Treasurer.

Furnishing Trades strike. The chairman reported that she had sent a letter to the “Manchester Guardian” appealing for funds to assist the workers out on strike in the furnishing trade. About £20.00 had been collected to date.

Correspondence. A letter was received from the Manchester and Salford Trades and Labour Council asking the WTUC to call a meeting of all persons and Unions subscribing to the Council, to consider the possibility of an agreement had been arrived at, whereby the finances would be put on a more permanent footing. It was moved by Miss Ashton, seconded by Mrs. Withington and agreed that we call a meeting of all societies subscribing to the funds, and that the Council members be asked to be present, this to take the place of the half yearly meeting. It was decided to consult Mr. Mellor with regard to a suitable room for the meeting and to recommend November 7th or 28th as convenient dates.

Jumble sale. It was decided to hold the jumble sale on November 10.

Sub-Committee minutes. The Sub-Committee minutes were read. These showed that the women employed by Messrs. Kay’s, Bolton, were now receiving the legal rate of wages, but that 28 women labourers had received a week’s notice, and boys had been engaged to take their places at the rates previously paid to the women. The matter was now in the hands of the Industrial Commissioner, and an arbitration case was being pressed for.

A new branch of woodworkers had been formed at Weaste.

The women employed by Messrs. Gerrards, Swinton, were now all in the Union, and the question of the illegal deduction of the 2/6 if any time was lost was being taken up with the Ministry of Munitions.

Birtles and Tate. An interview with Birtles and Tate had not yet been granted. A letter had been received from the firm asking that the demands should be sent in by letter, and the Sub Committee recommended that a demand for £1.00 a week for all the women be made.

Emily Cox November 14th 1917.