Wellingborough & Kettering News 10/01/1890, transcribed by Peter Brown

Trade Unionism — The Higham Ferrers, Rushden, and Irthlingborough branch of the Rivetters and Finishers’ Union held its monthly meeting at the Swan Inn, Higham Ferrers, on Monday, Mr. Thomas Kent in the chair. There were 125 members present. The branch now numbers 450 members. It was unanimously agreed to ask each employer in the district to give the association a list of the prices paid for the different classes of work by their firms. Some strong opinions were expressed regarding the action of certain firms in stating the classes of boots as, for instance, a whole golosh; the master says, is the same class as a half golosh. It is merely a verbal alteration at the time the order is given, and he only gets 3d. per pair extra. This and similar things with reference to other boots the men say is not fair, and is getting the work underclassed, and must be looked after, as it is not fair to the men or to employers who are willing to pay the statement prices, and while manufacturers can boast (as one in the district does) that they can net £3,000 in the year it is not fair to under pay the men. It was stated the branch was never in so good a position, members joining, funds flourishing, and many of the employers friendly towards it.