The Railway strike of 1919 took place over 9 days , from 26th September until October 5th. The main cause of the strike was discontent at the government’s plans to reduce rates of pay, which had previously been agreed during negotiations in the First World War.
The Trade Unions ASLEF (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) and the NUR ( National Union of Railwaymen) were involved in negotiations, and after nine days of strike action it was agreed to maintain wages for another year. Later, standardisation of wages and the introduction of a maximum eight hour day were agreed on.
Pictured are the striking workers in Goodwick. It appears that they are standing on the railway embankment below the houses of St.David’s Place. It’s interesting to note the washing on the line and the ladies watching the proceedings from their gardens!
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My grandfather’s name was Tom Perkins. He is four people from the left of the photograph and five from the front. He worked in the Marine Stores at the Harbour and was one of the lifeboatmen who rescued the crew of the “Hermina” for which he received an RNLI bronze medal.
Are you able to tell us which one is your grandfather so that we can add his name to the post?
Fascinating photograph – amazing to find out that so many people were employed by the railway in Goodwick. I even managed to find my maternal grandfather in the crowd.
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