General Meeting: April 2026

Dr Ann Featherstone gave us an entertaining, very well researched talk about the difficult working conditions of waitresses in 1908, a time when the Women’s Suffrage was at its high point.

Waitresses at the time were poorly paid for long shifts, fed poor quality meals, had to pay for their uniforms, and worst of all, were allowed no tips to supplement their pay.

They could also be dismissed on the spot if customer complained, which is what happened at an ABC cafe in central London in April 1908.

However on this occasion, led by the head waitress Emily ‘Ken’ Ware, all the staff went on strike in support of the dismissed waitress, and there was so much public support that it was discussed in Parliament.

The waitresses ended up opening a new cafe, and the first trade union for waitresses was started.

Sue Warren