‘Workers Memorial Day 2023’
Remember the dead,
Fight for the living!
Huddersfield
Date Friday 28th April 2023 Meet Place H Booth Memorial Plaque, near Tesco Goods Entrance, Viaduct Street, HD1 5DL Time 12.30 pm
H Booth Factory Fire 1941The fire at H Booth & Sons cloth business in Huddersfield killed 49 workers, mainly young women. A smouldering pipe is thought to have started the fire but the real cause was a death-trap building built as a warehouse, not as a premises for 150 workers.
Two timber staircases had been added which actually spread the blaze; no fire procedures; an alarm that did not work. Those who died were on the top floor; there was no access to the roof, no fire escapes and drain pipes were flush to the wall At least two women died after they jumped to avoid slow incineration and death.
The 1937 Factory Act stated that there should be means of escape in case of fire and obstacles. Further, employees should be aware of the routines involved. To my Knowledge no one was ever prosecuted. The fire was the town’s worst wartime disaster. And it goes on, Grenfell and the Tories bonfire of regulations!’
speakers
Mick Donoghue, Branch Secretary, Kirklees UNISON
Cormac Kelly, Local Historian
Chair
Mick Fitzpatrick Vice – President, Huddersfield TUC
There will be the laying of the wreath and a minute silence
Everyone Welcome
Dewsbury
Date Saturday 29th April 2023 Meet Place Memorial Stone, Long Causeway Dewsbury, WF12 8EN Time 11.00 am speakers Mick Donoghue, Branch Secretary, Kirklees UNISON other speakers invited There will be the laying of the wreath and a minute silence more details to follow Everyone Welcome
Organised by Kirklees UNISON & Huddersfield TUC
Strong Unions, Save Lives
For more information – Bob Stoker, Secretary, 07530633708