END OF THE MATCH GIRLS' STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9154, 8 September 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

END OF THE MATCH GIRLS' STRIKE.

A deputation from the London Trades Council, consisting of Messrs. Shipton, Coulson, Cooper, Steadman, Davis, and Drummond, waited upon the directors of Bryant and May for the second time on July 18, when representatives from the girls on strike accompanied the executive. The directors received the deputation most courteously, listened very attentively to all the arguments advanced, and eventually agreed to abolish all fines ; to supply such materials as paint, brushes, and stamps— for which the girls had hitherto paid ; to withdraw the charge of 3d which had been enforced in the case of the packers for supplying them with paper ; to place boys who had hitherto been employed on day work on piece work in future, in order that the girls might be kept fully employed, and thus be prevented from standing idle during a portion of the day. In addition to these concessions the directors promised favourably to consider the practicability of providing at an early date accommodation for the workpeople to enjoy their meals in some specially provided apartment away from their workshops. The formation of a trade union among the match-makers of the metropolis was also regarded with satisfaction by the directors, in order that in future they may be enabled to treat with representatives of their workpeople, and thus avoid similar painful conflicts. At a mass meeting of the employees the proposed conditionsjwere submitted, and unanimously approved with much enthusiasm. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Trades Council for the interest they displayed in the matter, and the satisfactory arrangement they had brought about by their timely intervention.

Mr. Fred C. Bryant writes to point out in reference to the settlement of the strike : We agreed to abolish such fines as have existed, on the distinct understanding that any girl disobeying orders or wilfully destroying property should be discharged. We may point out that the ostensible reason for the strike was the fact of a girl being so dismissed, and now the girls prefer dismssal to a nominal fine. Although fines for misconduct have occasionally been imposed, there has never been any system of fines.