On Thursday 20th May, the whole of the employees of Messrs McCorquodale and Co.’s Envelope Works, numbering over 800 males and females were “blown out” by the hooter just after 5pm. It is alleged that a War bonus had been distributed by the firm to some of the workers. The many efforts that have been made by prominent Northampton printers to organise the Wolverton printers have never succeeded so that the strikers will have no organisation of any kind behind them.

Offices and a committee were elected to work with a committee of the local Trade Council to carry on details of organisation. At a crowded meeting at the Science and. Arts Institute, Wolverton on Tuesday evening the following resolution was enthusiastically passed. “That we place the whole matter in the hands of our officials to negotiate, and decline to work until a settlement has been come to.” Practically the resolution means that unless the demands of the girls that a war bonus be given to all were acceded to, there would be no resumption of work.

On Wednesday 26th May a notice was placed on the entrance door which stated that the Directors had to point out that owing to their action on Thursday last a large number of employees had forfeited their claim to receive the Marriage and long--service grant. The Directors however were prepared to overlook their action, provided they resume work at once on the existing terms.

In the evening another union meeting was held after which a number of houses were visited by a large number of girls where it was alleged “black legs” resided. The Police and Specials followed in the wake of the crowd but their services fortunately were not required.