20.06.1996

A factory meeting

From the Workers’ Weekly, paper of the CPGB, June 18 1926

A workers’ correspondent from the Sickle and Hammer factory (Moscow) writes:

When the General Strike began in Britain we held a factory gate meeting at our factory, and one of our comrades spoke, recalling our own strike struggles under Tsarism.

Everyone was very thoughtful when they heard the speaker. After this speech we proposed a resolution: “To render moral and material aid to the strikers”. “Quite right,” the workers approved, and someone added: “Moral and material. But what kind of material support? Speak more to the point.”

The secretary of the factory committee read out the proposal of the trade union to contribute a quarter of a day’s pay in aid of the British strikers. “What, are you joking?” “Only a quarter? What can you do with that?” were the phrases one could hear all over the place. “A half day’s pay,” some workers proposed. “One day’s pay,” came other propositions.

“Comrades, let us do this: those who receive low wages - one quarter; medium wages - one half; and skilled workers and administrative staff - one day’s wages. Who is in favour of this proposal?” One thousand, five hundred hands of those present at the meeting rise above their heads. “Who is against?” “Go to hell with such questions,” replied the offended workers.

Everyone dispersed, talking earnestly: “It is not much, but still we are helping the British comrades. Let’s only hope they won’t give in. Their victory is our victory. And we will have to help them still more.”