THE anniversary of the end of a pivotal strike by the women chainmakers of Cradley Heath in 1910 has been celebrated. 

To mark the occasion, the Leader of Sandwell Council, councillor Kerrie Carmichael visited the permanent monument to the women chainmakers of Cradley Heath, created by Black Country sculptor Luke Perry and Micron Alloys today (Tuesday October 22). 

The monument is at Mary Macarthur Gardens. 

Councillor Carmichael, said: “My message to any woman is always the same – don’t give up, we have each other, take inspiration from what women in history have done for us…

“I know though, that all too often the names of women throughout history who have made a difference aren’t celebrated or talked about and that is why days like today are important to us in Sandwell.

“Mary Macarthur spoke out against injustice and inequality wherever she saw it – and went on to improve the lives of thousands through history and many women in Sandwell will be benefitting from that today including myself.”

(Image: Sandwell Council)

In 1910 the women chainmakers of Cradley Heath focussed the world’s attention on the plight of Britain’s low paid women workers.

In their backyard forges hundreds of women laid down their tools to strike for a living wage.

Led by the charismatic union organiser and campaigner, Mary Macarthur, the women’s struggle became a national and international cause célèbre.

After ten long weeks, they won the dispute and increased their earnings from as little as 5 shillings (25p) to 11 shillings (55p) a week.

Their victory helped to make the principle of a national minimum wage a reality.

Mary Macarthur proposed that surplus money in the strike fund should be used to build a ‘centre of social and industrial activity in the district’.

Thousands of local people turned out for the opening of The Cradley Heath Workers’ Institute on 10 June 1912.

An annual festival is held in the town for the local community and trade unions to celebrate this historic achievement.