A timely lesson from Gateshead (1938)

From the November 1938 issue of the Socialist Standard

A strong force of police was called to the offices of the Unemployment Assistance Board in Gateshead yesterday, when 200 men demonstrated against “cuts ” in their relief.

The men have been working on A.R.P. trench digging and, although they have been paid by the local authority, claimed that no “cuts” should be made in their normal relief.

After police had cleared the building of shouting demonstrators the men were admitted in four batches to receive relief, “cut” in proportion to the amount they had earned by trench digging. — (Sunday Dispatch, October 9th, 1938.)

Though given little space in the Sunday Dispatch, this incident contains a world of meaning for those able to interpret it.

It typifies the whole attitude of the capitalist class towards the workers.

The workers are always to be at the beck and call of their masters, willing to do any task demanded of them.

In time of war, they are expected to do the donkey-work, lose limbs and life.

Then, when peace comes, and the excitement is over, they are expected to carry on as usual and accept any pittance thrown to them.

If, however, the workers think that what they receive is not enough, and decide to do something about it, the forces of the State are at hand, and, if need be, will be set in motion against them.

This incident at Gateshead should have taught those 200 what their position is under capitalism, and what they are called upon to defend in time of war.

Clifford Allen