Stanwick Boot Firm Sued - Claim by Local Workmen
Breakdown of an Engine

The Reliable Boot Co., Ltd., Stanwick, were summoned at Wellingborough Petty Sessions last Friday for a civil debt by Charles Munns, Hargrave, Fred Northern, Finedon, Ralph Allen, Rushden, and Walter Kemshead, Wellingborough.

Mr. A. J. Darnell appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. J. C. Wilson for the firm.

Charles Munns, Hargrave, said that on Dec. 17th he and the other men were in the employ of the Reliable Boot Company in the pressroom. They arrived at 7.30 a.m. to start work, but the engine would not work. They were not allowed to "clock in," and so they waited until 8.20 in the snow outside. After waiting 45 minutes they went home and at 12.30 p.m. they received notice leave, with the insurance cards and holiday pay.

Frederick Northern, Finedon, said he was at the factory at 7 a.m. He resented the notice given him, which read: "By action of deliberately absenting yourself from work this morning you have forfeited your right to work for the Reliable Boot Company." He was bitterly cold, so he went home.

The under-manager said that if the men had waited until 8.33 a.m. all could have worked. The men going home resulted in the output of the firm dropping from 4,200 to 3,117 pairs of boots per week.

In reply to Mr. Darnell he said he did not "clock" the men in because they did not want them until the engine started. He did not expect the men to stop without pay until the engine did start.

Nathaniel Coe, managing director firm, said he considered the men’s action unreasonable and deserving of instant dismissal.

The Magistrates gave judgment for plaintiffs, with costs.