Somerset County Herald 02 Mar 1940 Yeovil Glovers' Action Refusal to Work with "Conchie" Norman Harry CASE of Victoria Buildings and Arnold Glove Co Addewell Lane

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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. Saturday 02 Mar 1940

Page 9 Column 1


YEOVIL GLOVERS' ACTION

REFUSAL TO WORK WITH “CONCHIE”

EMPLOYERS DISMISS “EXEMPTED” MAN

Between twenty to thirty Yeovil glove cutters have refused to work with a conscientious objector, and threatened to take strike action on Tuesday unless the man was removed.

Norman Harry CASE, of Victoria Buildings, 22-year-old glove cutter, had returned to work at his bench at the Arnold Glove Co., Addewell-lane, on Tuesday morning after obtaining unconditional exemption from military service the previous day at Bristol Tribunal. When CASE told his workmates of his successful appeal they refused to work with him and presented an ultimatum to the head of the firm that they would take strike action unless CASE was dismissed. The man was then told that he could no longer be employed at the factory.

One of the glove workers told a representative of this paper that the men took up the attitude they did purely on a matter of principle. They did not consider CASE was a genuine “conchie.” Some of the men, he said, had served in the last war and had sons serving in the Forces. They did not agree with CASE staying home and earning £4 or £5 per week, while their sons fought for 2s per day.

The majority of the men concerned in the action are members of the Glovers' Union, but the threatened strike was entirely unofficial and unknown to the Union

A director of the firm stated that when he received the men's demands he had no other choice but to give CASE his cards.

Mr. C.. BLAKE, president of the National Union of Glovers, stated that the Union would investigate the matter. Such an action, he said, might have far-reaching effects.

It is understood that CASE obtained employment with another glove manufacturer the same day as he was dismissed.

“IF ENGLAND WAS INVADED.”

When CASE was before the Tribunal, Judge WETHERED told him that if the majority of people in this country thought as he did England, by now, would have been invaded and people with his views sent to concentration camps.

CASE stated he joined the Peace Pledge Union in 1939. If this country was invaded it would not affect him, he said. He also said if he drove a motor-car he would not acknowledge the speed limit in built-up areas unless he thought it right, and was told by the Judge he could not isolate himself from the community.

“People cannot live for themselves alone,” Judge WETHERED remarked, “otherwise all collective life becomes impossible. You can't even play a game unless you have rules.”

CASE was granted unconditional exemption.


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