 Solidarity action in support of the seamen led to other sections of workers coming out on strike.A strike committee – chaired by syndicalist Tom Mann – was formed to represent all the workers in dispute.Many meetings were held on St. George's Plateau, next to St. George’s Hall on Lime Street, including the rally on 13 August where police baton charged a crowd of 85,000 people, who had gathered to hear Tom Mann speak.