Edited extract from an Agreement
between unions and employers
on working conditions in the dyeing industry

1904

This agreement is entered into between unions and employers for the protection of all concerned. The following rules will remain for 12 months, and then changed only after 3 months' notice in writing.

§

A week's notice is required on either side, and a compensation of £1 per man will be paid on breaking this rule.

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When a workman is given a better job, he shall be an 'improver', and his wages raised to the standard rate for his new job within one year.

§

Overtime rules

Day turn/shift: This is 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but workmen should work till 7 p.m. as needed, at ordinary rates. Outside these hours, time and a half shall be paid.

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Night turn/shift: Sixpence per night extra on the ordinary rates shall be paid to all men employed on nights. The shift is 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Outside these hours, time and a half shall be paid.

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Only those men whose job it is to supervise others shall be considered 'foremen'.



  • How much notice did the employer or the employee have to give to finish a job?
  • How long did it take for a workman to go from one pay rate to a higher one for a better job? Is this fair? What do you think happens today?
  • What time did a Night Turn start and end?
  • Why do you think this agreement was necessary ?
  • Write out an agreement for attending school. Remember that an 'agreement' means that both sides are making rules that everyone will stick to.