On This Day, 25 September 1917

Birmingham Mail

Tuesday 25 September 1917

BIRMINGHAM MUNITIONS TRIBUNAL

BEDSTEAD FIRM’S PROTEST

At the Birmingham Munitions Tribunal today, spirited opposition was offered to the granting of a leaving certificate to a girl employed in the manufacturing of bedsteads.

The firm’s representative said they were not controlled but 90% of their work was for the War Office.

Professor Tillyard (chairman): You are not engaged in engineering, shipbuilding, or arms, ammunition, or explosives.

The Representative: No, sir.

The Chairman: Then if you want protection you must apply to become a controlled firm. You do not come within Section 7.

The Representative: Are we to infer that our work people are free to leave?

The Chairman: Thousands of people on munitions are in the same position. The tribunal has come to the conclusion that a leaving certificate is not necessary in this case. Applicant will be given an extract from the register enabling her to get work elsewhere.

The firm’s representative: I accept your decision, but I respectfully protest against it.

The Chairman: You can appeal if you choose.