Since 1914 the Executive was successful in obtaining the adoption of a new scheme for payment for tying-in beams, replacing the one which was abolished in 1886, and giving satisfaction to all workers in the Tapestry trade.
The progress and development of the Scotch Association during the past few years, and the successful amalgamation with the English Associations, has been largely due to the tact and energy of the President, Mr. Thomas Lindsay, of Paisley.
The Kidderminster, Northern Counties, and Scottish Associations were amalgamated in November, 1917, under the title of “The National Affiliation of Carpet Trade Unions.” The objects of the affiliation were the maintenance of uniform rates, the regulation of the supply of hands and hours of work, and generally the regulation of the relations of employers and employed in the trade.
The constitution is simple, the control of the Affiliation being vested in the hands of an Affiliation Board, composed of three representatives from each Association. The Board appoints a President, Secretary, and Treasurer, each Association being entitled to one official.
During the spring and early summer of 1919 negotiations had been proceeding between the Employers, the Trade Unions’ representatives, and the Ministry of Labour for the formation of a Joint Industrial Council for the Carpet Trade; and the inaugural meeting of this body was held under the auspices of Mr. John Hodge, M.P., on 18th July. It was composed as follows —
EMPLOYERS’ SIDE
| Kidderminster and District Manufacturers’ Association | 5 | |
| Northern Counties’ Manufacturers’ Association | 5 | |
| Scottish Manufacturers’ Association | 4 | |
| — | ||
| 14 |
EMPLOYEES’ SIDE
| National Affiliation of Carpet Trade Unions | 10 | |
| General Union of Textile Workers | 2 | |
| The Amalgamated Society of Gas, Municipal, and General Workers | 1 | |
| Workers’ Union | 1 | |
| — | ||
| 14 |
Mr. Herbert Smith, of Kidderminster (Employers), was elected Chairman, and Mr. Thomas Lindsay, of Paisley (Employees), Vice-Chairman.