Photos taken outside the Cradley Heath Empire Theatre, 1910 On August 21st 1910, under the inspirational leadership of Mary Macarthur and local trade unionists, the woman chain makers of Cradley Heath fought for a minimum wage. A strike was officially called. Nationally, the effectiveness of the Trade Board Act and the ability of the government to eradicate sweating were at stake. Locally, almost one thousand women were hoping to earn 2 ½d per hour for a fifty-five hour week. The women gathered at ‘Lomey Town mound’ and at the local Empire Theatre (pictured here) to listen to the speeches of the strike leaders. For many it was the most exciting time of their lives, as 79 year old chain maker Patience Round said: “These are wonderful times, I never thought I should live to assert the rights of us women. It has been the week of my life - three meetings and such beautiful talking. Mary Macarthur, secretary of the NFWW, was determined to find a way to support all chain makers for as long as necessary. Calling on all women chain makers to lay down their hammers, she set about the creation of a Strike Fund. She gave interviews, wrote letters, addressed meetings and used the new power of the cinema to show audiences how chain makers lived. Striking women were sent about the area with collecting boxes. Appeals in the press drew in donations from rich and poor. Thanks to the Fund, by September around 800 women were able to take part in the strike. Employers began to give in to the pressure. By late October, almost all had signed up to the new rates of pay. On 22nd October the strike officially ended. Many women were already back at work, earning their new rate. Tomorrow at BCLM, in traditional style, we’ll be ensuring the legacy of the Women Chainmakers of Cradley Heath at our Breaking Chains event a procession of flags, street entertainment, music, crafting activities and theatre from local performers along with stirring speeches. Save 10% on a day visit ticket by booking online bclm.co.uk/events/breaking-chains/13.htm#.VDulhfldVNM
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 17:00:00 +0000
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