On This Day, 30 May 1917

Evening Despatch

Wednesday 30 May 1917

BUILDING TRADE WAGES

BIRMINGHAM WAR BONUS APPLICATION REFUSED

An application has been made to the Birmingham Employers’ Association on behalf of employees engaged in the building trade for another 3d. per hour war bonus. The workers include those engaged as carpenters, joiners, wood fitting machinists, masons, plumbers, slaters and tilers, builders’ labourers, and navvies, the total number of men affected being between 6,000 and 7,000. It is stated that the building trade operatives of Birmingham have only received an advance of 1 1/2d. per hour on pre-war rates, which is equivalent to about 6s. week.

A meeting has been held between the operatives’ representatives and the employers, and the reply which has been, received from the Employers’ Association states that it is regretted that the application cannot be acceded to.

Resolutions have been passed at various branch meetings, and the “Evening Despatch” is officially informed that the position will be considered at a mass meeting to be held in Smithfield Market on Sunday morning next at 11 o’clock.