\^ 1 x> r^J^i is |||pMlS§ WORKING HOURS REPORT of JOINT INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE appointed by The Engineering and National Employers* Federation, The Ship- building Employers' Federation, and the Unions' Negotiating Committee \i \ 'J WORKING HOURS REPORT of JOINT INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE appointed by The Engineering and National Employers' Federation, The Ship- building Employers' Federation, and The Unions' Negotiating Committee SUMMARY OF CONTENTS. List of Past and Present Members of the Committee Foreword ......... Introduction ........ PAGE . 7 • 9 . II SECTION I. Summary of Information furnished in W'rii ten I'orm BY representative SHIPBUILDING I'IRMS. Number of Employees .... Equipment and Plant .... Horse-power Available .... Proportion of Manual Workers employed on Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. . Systems of Payment ..... Comparisons of Output .... Efficiency of Production ^ . Canteen, Eirsi-Aid Equipmeni, Welfare, eic. General ....... 1% . , 15 i6 Machines i6 . i6 . 17 . i8 . »9 . zo , , Zl Ob -X. SECTION II. Summary of Information furnished in Wruten Eorm BY representative ENGINEERING FiRMS. Foreign Trade ...... Foreign Competition at Home and Ahroad Equipment of Works .... Lighting, Ventilation and Heating . Horse-power Available .... pROPORiioN OF Manual Workers lmplovld on Maciiinls 4.33401 Summary of Contents PAGE Number Employed ........ 23 Hours of Labour . . . . . . . .23 NiGHTSHiFT Hours . . . . . . . .24 Holidays .......... 24 Payment by Results . . . . . . .24 Attitude of Men to New Appliances . . . .24 Efficiency of Production . . . . . .25 Canteen, Welfare, and First-Aid Arrangements . . 25 Special Provision for Workers engaged in Dangerous and Unhealthy Occupations . . . . . .25 Lavatory and Cloakroom Accommodation. *. . .25 Foundry Equipment ........ 26 SECTION HL Visits to Works in June and July, 1920. List of Firms Visited and their Products Equipment and Organisation Timekeeping and Overtime Systems of Payment .... Efficiency of Production Foreign Trade and Foreign Competition Welfare of Workers 27 29 34 36 40 45 45 SECTION IV. Visits to Works in Belgium, Germany and Holland, April and May, 1921. List of Firms Visited and their Products . . -49 Visits in Belgium . . . . . . . . 5^^ Visits in Germany . . . . . . . -5^ Visits in Holland ........ 60 Interview with Belgian Minister of Labour . . .63 Interview with Dutch Permanent Under-Secretary for Labour .......... 67 Summary of Contents SECTION V. Visits to Works in August, 1921. List of Firms Visited and their Products Equipment and Organisation Timekeeping and Overtime Systems of Payment .... Efficiency of Production Foreign Trade and Foreign Competition State of Trade .... Welfare of Workers 70 71 73 n 80 85 88 90 JOINT INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE. LIST OF PAST AND PRESENT MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE. Name. Date of Appoint- ment. Date of Resignation. Mr. G. W. Barr . March 23, 1920. Mr. J, T. Brovvnlie March 23, 1920. Mr. W. Boyd . March 23, 1920. August, 1920. Mr. J. E. Davison,. M.P.. March 23, 1920. Mr. John Hill March 23, 1920. May 18, 1920. Mr. W. F. Dawtry. March 23, 1920. December 13, 1921. Mr. A. D. C. Parsons March 23, 1920. August, 1920. Mr. W. Paterson . March 23, 1920. June 30, 1920. Mr. J. Rowan, J.P. March 23, 1920. Mr. Oliver Winder March 23, 1920. (Deceased.) Sir Wm. Rowan Thomson March 23, 1920. July 6, 1920. Mr. R. H. Coaxes . May 18, 1920. Mr. Clive Kenrick May 18, 1920. July 29, 1920. Mr. W. J. Wentwortii . June 30, 1920. Mr. M. A. McLean . October 12, 1920. Mr. G. G. Parker . October 12, 1920. Eng.-Commander Wood . October 12, 1920. March 29, 1921. Mr. E. Bruce Ball March 13, 192 1. Mr. Walter Deakin March 13, 192J. Mr. Frank Smith, J.P. . (Joint Secretary) March 23, 1920. Mr. R. 11. Hutchinson . (Joint Secretary) March 23, 1920. Augu-?t, 1920 Mr. Herbert G. Williams (Joint Secretary) August, 1920. I FOREWORD. N presenting this report the Committee desires to make the following statement : — In view of the fact that the Committee was representa- tive of both employer and employee interests, it was felt that no statement of views or deductions from the data collected could be acceptable to the whole of the members. On the other hand, the data collected was altogether too voluminous to be presented as it stood, nor could it be readily understood or used by our constituents. The only course seemed to be the presentation of the salient facts, tabulated in such a way that they could be readily ascertained and shown in their true value. Fortunately, the data lent itself to natural sub-division, which made possible its presentation in sections dealing with — (a) The answers to the questionnaire ; (b) The visits to works in June and July of 1920, when business was apparently plentiful ; (c) The Continental visits in April and May of 192 1 ; (d) The visits to works in August, 192 1, when trade was decidedly bad. 1 1 will be noted that in the reports of visits to home works, the subject-matter has been arranged so as to present the conditions pertaining to the industry as a whole, whereas in the reports of the Continental visits, the report of each visit is complete in itself. It was felt that in regard to the investigations at home, we were more concerned with the general conditions than with the conditions pertaining to individual firms, and as the wide range of visits made enabled us to ascertain the general conditions, they are presented in that form. On the other hand, the widely varying conditions obtaining in the territories covered on the Continent, and the lack of time and opportunity to make the very thorough investiga- 10 Foreword tions which have been made at home, rendered it impossible to treat these reports in quite the same way. In regard to the preparation of this report, the Committee desires to state that every effort has been made to maintain as far as possible the wording and sense of the daily reports which were prepared by the Committee at the time of each visit. The Committee feels that without a visit to the United States, its work must be regarded as incomplete. WORKING HOURS. JOINT INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE. Shipbuild'ms and Engmeerlng hidustries. REPORT. INTRODUCTION. jk T the end of 1918 an agreement was entered into /% between the employers' organisations and the / % workpeople's organisations in the shipbuilding and "^ "^^engineering industries, which provided that the normal working week .on and after January 1st, 1919, should consist of 47 hours, with one break in the day. Very shortly after, however, a formal demand was made by the operatives' organisations for a further reduction of the normal working week to one of 44 hours. This was opposed by the employers' organisations on the ground that a shorter working week was economically impossible and, further, that the 47-hour week had not been in operation for a sufficient length of time to show its effects on production. Eventually, at a conference held on August 28th, 1919, the application for a 44-hour week was withdrawn and a memorandum agreed to as follows : — " That a Joint Committee representative of the employers and of the unions' Negotiating Committee be appointed to investigate the economic relation of production to hours of work, and in this connection, the methods of manufacture in the shipbuikling and engineering industries in this and other countries." This memorandum, after submission to the constituents of both parties, was ratified, and a preliminary conference to 12 Report of Joint Investigation Committee consider methods of investigation took place in January, 1920, and a Joint Committee, consisting of six representatives of employers and six representatives of trade unions, formally came into being and held its first meeting on March 23rd, 1920. The Committee, desiring certain detailed information, prepared and issued a questionnaire to a number of representa- tive firms, requesting the desired information in confidence. The questio7inaire dealt with the following matters : — (i) Export Trade ; (2) Foreign Competition ; (3) Equipment of Works ; (4) Overtime, Nightshift, and other questions relating to hours ; (5) Systems of Payment ; (6) Efficiency of Output ; (7) Welfare of Workers, etc. It was then decided to visit representative engineering and shipbuilding establishments in all parts of the United Kingdom for the purpose of studying at first hand the matters covered by the terms of reference, and to see the actual working conditions prevailing in the shops. During June and July of 1920, 21 engineering and shipbuilding establishments were visited. Unfortunately at this stage, serious illnesses, affecting several members of the Committee, • including the Joint Chairmen, held up all business for a period of three months and led to several resignations, and the position was further complicated by the resignation of one of the Joint Secretaries. When the Committee, with the new members who had been appointed to fill the vacancies, resumed work in the autumn of 1920, provisional arrangements were made for a visit to the United States, which, unfortunately, had to be cancelled shortly afterwards, owing to the fact that the bulk of the members were prevented from leaving this country at that time, and to diflficulties caused by the coal strike, and also to the lengthy negotiations as to working conditions in the engineering and shipbuilding industries which were then taking place. Prior to the proposed visit to America, it had been proposed to carry through an extensive visit to engineering works in the Manchester district, and this also had to be cancelled, most of the works concerned being compelled to shut down owing to the coal strike. It was not until March, 192 1, that the Committee were able to meet, and in the meantime it had lost by death one Working Hours 13 of its most active members, Mr. Oliver Winder. The first step on resumption was to arrange and carry through a very useful visit to engineering and shipbuilding establishments in Belgium, Germany and Holland, during the latter part of April and the beginning of May, 1 92 1, when 11 establish- ments were visited in Belgium, four in Germany, and seven in Holland, in addition to important interviews with Govern- ment officials, trade union officials and employers' organisa- tions. This visit to the Continent took place during the long further coal dispute, and on account of this it was impossible to continue the work of the Committee in England until the dispute had ended. Immediately on the conclusion of the dispute, arrangements were made for a series of visits in the Manchester and Birming- ham districts, and these took place during the month of August, 192 1, when 12 establishments were visited. A further effort was then made to carry out the proposed visit to the United States of America, but in view of the reports as to the stagnation of industry, affecting particularly engineering and shipbuilding in the United States, it was reluctantly decided that it would be a waste of time and monev to undertake the visit under the then existing conditions. Many of the members of the Committee were busily engaged in the succeeding two or three months in successive conferences with regard to working conditions in the industries, and it was not possible for the Committee to resume work again until December 13th, 192 1, when it was decided to put in hand the preparation of a provisional report. The dispute in the engineering industry and the subsequent lock-out prevented this intention from being carried into effect, and as a result, this Report could not be finally approved until July 4th, 1922. In order to indicate the difficulties under which the Com- mittee has had to work, it may be mentioned that, including one of the Joint Secretaries, no less than 10 changes have taken place in the personnel since it was originally appointed, and of the original 14 members, including the Joint Secretaries, only five are now on the Committee. Owing to the long period over which information has been collected, and the changes in conditions which have taken place during that time, the Report is drawn up in chrono- logical order. The first two sections relate to information Report of Joint Investigation Committee concerning the shipbuilding and engineering industries respectively during the years 191 3 and 1919, this information having been obtained from the answers to questionnaires. The next section relates to information obtained from these industries during 1920, as a result of the visits of the Com- mittee to establishments in the United Kingdom in June and July of that year. The fourth section deals with the informa- tion obtained during the visits in Belgium, Germany and Holland, during the end of April and the beginning of May, 1 92 1, and the fifth section relates to information obtained during the visits of the Committee to engineering establish- ments in August, 1921. The Committee desire to record their appreciation of the courtesy which they have received from shipbuilding and engineering employers, both at home and on the Continent, on the occasions of their visits, and to add to this expression of appreciation a word of thanks for the frank way in which any questions put have been answered. SECTION I. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FURNISHED IN WRITTEN FORM BY REPRESENTATIVE SHIP- BUILDING FIRMS AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE. The Information relates to the Years 1913 and 1919. No. of Employees. — The numbers employed in all the firms were as follows : — Males over 21 Females over 21 Males under 21 . Females under 21 Males unclassified Sex Unclassified . Total (Males) Total (Females) 1913- 1919. 53,843 63,384 74 669 13,924 18,457 35 149 2,050 2,250 599 — 71,867 109 87,159 818 Grand Total . . . 72,466 87,977 It will be noted that the number of emplo\'ees differs from the total given in the analysis relating to output, and also in the analysis relating to horse-power, and this is due to the fact that the figures for output and the figures for horse-power furnished by some firms were not clear, or could not be brought into comparison and were left out of these tables. Equipment and Plant. — Comprehensive information is given by all the firms as to their mechanical appliances, and in a large number of cases additional plant was installed in 1919 as compared with 1913. A good deal of information is supplied showing tli.it pneu- matic, electric and hydraulic machines have been introduced to a considerable extent as between 191 3 and 1919, and it is stated that the results showed a sectional increase in output. It is also stated in a number of cases that the increased output has been accomplished with a reduced physical effort. i6 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Oxy-acetylene, electric welding and cutting appliances have been introduced to a considerable extent as between 191 3 and 1919, and it is reported that output has been increased in general. Considerable opposition appears amongst shipyard men to the introduction of new appliances. In a number of cases the objection of the men tends to decline as they get used to the new methods. It is stated that objection is made to the introduction of pneumatic riveting, also to the full use of new appliances, and that the men insist on the same piece rates even, although the new methods enable much more output to be obtained. It is stated in certain districts that the Boiler- makers' Society insist on an unnecessary number of men on cutting plants. Electric lighting was practically universal in 1919, whereas in 1 91 3 gas and oil flares were still in use in several yards. In regard to ventilating arrangements for shops, no very marked change took place between 191 3 and 1919. Heating arrangements were common in the shops in both years and no material change is reported. Horse -power Available. — Taking the firms who sup- plied information on this subject, the position is as follows : — 1913. 1919. Total horse-power . . . 63,695 99,519 Number of employees . . . 63,934 j6,oj6 Average horse-power per employee '99 1*31 Percentage increase = 32 Proportion of Normal Workers Employed on Machines. — The percentage of total manual workers in each shop employed either on fixed or hand machines varied enormously from firm to firm. Taking the average of all the percentages furnished by the firms reporting, the percentage for 191 3 was 19-1 and for 1919 26-1. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — In 191 3 about half the firms worked 53 hours and the remainder 54, with the exception of one firm that worked 52. In 1919 the 47-hour week was in universal operation. In 191 3 the two-break system was in universal operation, but the length of the breaks varied. In 1919 the single break of one hour was almost universal. Working Hours 17 1913- 1919. Hours. Hours 48 42 43-83 42-49 40-98 45-90 42-50 The following table shows the average number of hours worked per week per employee in each year : — Time workers only Piece workers .... All workers ..... Percentage ratio of total overtime to total normal dayshift hours . 4-07 2-88 Ten firms out of 36 worked a nightshift in 191 3 and 13 in 1919. In general, in 1913 the nightshift consisted of 571V hours. In one case it was 55 and in another case 60. In 1919 there were much greater variations in the nightshift hours, varying from 45 to 60, but a number still retained the old 57h The percentage of nightshift hours to normal dayshift hours in the case of the firms who furnished information for both years was — 191 3 1-92 and 1919 4-66. The following shows the position with regard to holidays : — 1913. 1919. Days. Days. Works idle due to authorised holi- days ..... 16-75 1824 Works idle due to unauthorised holidays . . . . . 3*35 6-29 Percentage of aU holidays to total days worked per annum . . 6-36 829 It must be borne in mind that these figures are average figures, and that the actual figures vary very considerably from firm to firm. The information as to the time lost owing to weather causes is somewhat incomplete. One firm remarks that very little time was lost in either year as the principal berths are covered. Systems of Payment. — Out of 36 firms who liavc furnished information only two report that they had no system of pay- ment by results in operation at all. A good many different systems were in operation. A certain number of changes in payment by results have been made between 1913 and 1919. 1 8 Report of Joint Investigation Committee An immense variety of classes of labour were reported in both years who were working on payment by results. A considerable number of cases were quoted of men on time work in 191 3 who are now on some system of payment by results. It is stated the results have been satisfactory because output has been increased. In two cases it is reported that payment by results was introduced during the War, but has since ceased ; in one case it is mentioned workmen declined to continue. A considerable number of cases are reported of delay to piece workers due to waiting for other workers who work on time. This applies to joiners and carpenters, who work on time, holding up other departments. In one case it is stated that patternmakers working on time are responsible for delay in foundries, which, in turn, hold up the machine shop. A number of cases are mentioned where output is restricted, due to the fact that assistants are paid on time. In one case it is mentioned that piece workers make habitual payments to their assistants in excess of their standard remuneration. When blacksmiths had changes from time to piecework, their assistants shared in earnings in a certain ratio, and, as a con- sequence, output has increased from 50 to 100 per cent. In a number of cases the wages of the assistants are paid by the piece workers, and in such cases it is to the obvious interest of the piece worker to see that his assistants work satisfac- torily. In a number of cases the assistants are not paid by results. In one case it is remarked that when helpers were paid by the piece workers their timekeeping was worse, and in another case it is remarked that helpers have always been paid on time and they have never had any difficulty. Some Examples of Comparisons of Output w^hen Men are paid by Time or by Results. Mechanics fitting water-tight sliding shutters :— On Time. On Payment by Results. Actual hours taken, 490. | Actual hours taken, 150. For a short time, until their Society interfered, shipwrights worked piecework at laying decks. It was found that output was more than doubled. Working Hours io Since shipwrights ceased piecework output has decreased. At that time, two similar vessels were being built ; one was on piecework and one on time. On Time. On Payment by Results. Time taken, 2,601 hours. ( Time taken, 1,151 hours. Riveters employed on warship : — On Tunc. On Payment by Results. Ij6 rivets per squad per week. 722 rivets per squad per week. Since the firm has paid the shipwrights by piecework, work has been much accelerated. Since framing has been done on piecework 40 per cent, of time has been saved. Frame setting of a vessel was done on both time and piece- work : — On Time. On Payment by Results. 14 weeks to do 54 pairs of frames. Two standard vessels built 5I weeks to do 80 pairs of frames. On Time. On Payment by Resttlts. 15 weeks. | 10 weeks. Riveters on " lieu " on shell of submarine : — When men worked piecework output was increased 50 per cent. Platers on " lieu " at destroyer engine seats : — When men worked piecework output was nearly doubled. Making two 12-inch ventiLition cowls : — On Time. On Payment by Resullt. Time taken, 30 hours. | Time taken, 142 hours. Making complete one 18-inch ventilation cowl : — On Time. On Payment by Results. Time taken, 17^ hours. Time taken, 13 hours 20 minutes. Efficiency of Production. — The firms who made returns have given particulars of output in two categories — first, the 20 Report of Joint Investigation Committee total gross tonnage launched, and, second, the total gross tonnage of vessels dry docked and/or repaired. The figures are as follows : — 1913. 1919. Gross tonnage launched . . 1,022,720 703,835 Gross tonnage of vessels dry docked and/or repaired . 5,928,128 3,956,467 Number of employees . . 57^037 65,338 Tonnage launched per employee I7'9 10*7 Percentage decrease = 40 Tonnage repaired per employee I03"8 60*4 Percentage decrease = 42 Canteen, First-Aid Equipment, Welfare, etc. — There was a great increase in the provision of canteen arrangements in 1919 as compared with 191 3. Out of 34 firms reporting only 6 made provision in 191 3, whereas 20 made provision in 1919. In regard to first-aid equipment and staff, all firms had some provision in both years, but the provision in 1919 was substantially better than in 191 3. The most notable develop- ment is the provision of complete ambulance rooms in yards where previously only first-aid boxes were provided. Most yards have a voluntary ambulance corps in addition to the ambulance stations. In regard to the washing accommodation, there was an increase in the amount of washing accommodation provided in 1919 as compared with 191 3, the number who provided no accommodation being four, as compared with eight in the previous year, whereas in the case of those who made provi- sion it appears to have been extended. In dangerous and unhealthy occupations a number of firms provided special staging and supervision to avoid accidents. Gloves and leather aprons are supplied to workers using oxy- acetylene, and medicine and washing arrangements are sup- plied for workers working in lead and other dangerous materials. In regard to welfare arrangements, out of 35 firms reporting only five had welfare arrangements in 191 3, whereas in 1919 20 firms had made arrangements, and in many cases these Working Hours 21 were very extensive. In a good many cases very large expense liad been incurred in connection with clubs, sports grounds, and so forth. General.— Under the heading of general remarks, one firm states that output for the 47-hour week has decreased as com- pared with the 53-hour week. Another firm states that, when dry-docking, shipwrights demand double the number of men, and the local Union will only allow their own Union men to shift or remove vessels. In another case it is stated that vessels docking for painting are docked for three days instead of one and half, owing to refusal to work overtime. One firm states that, owing to the extensive character of repairs due to damage and wear and tear due to the War, ships are longer in dock, consequently a fewer number of vessels are dealt with. In regard to interference to output, due to out of balance of work, little was reported for 191 3, but a good deal for 1919. Shortages of labour are stated as follows : Riveters, Joiners, Painters, Shipwrights, Plumbers, Carpenters, Cabinetmakers, French Polishers, Boat Builders. The same shortages do not appear in every case. It is also stated that the balance of work was upset owing to shortage of steel plates and other kinds of steel, and the moulders' strike is also given as a cause of trouble in one case. One firm states that the shortage of shipwrights, joiners and plumbers is of a permanent charac- ter, and the same firm also mentions that questions of demar- cation of work seriously affect output. Another firm reports interference of output owing to the refusal of platers, riveters, caulkers, to work overtime. SECTION II. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FURNISHED IN WRIT- TEN FORM BY REPRESENTATIVE ENGINEERING FIRMS AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMIITEE. The Information relates to the Years 1913 and 1919. Foreign Trade. — In 191 3 rather more than one-third of the product of the engineering industry was exported. It should be noted that approximately a third of the remainder depends on this export trade, and consequently the industry depends on export trade for one-half of its output. During 1 91 9, the proportion of foreign trade in most branches of the industry was considerably lower than in 191 3 for a variety of reasons, mainly arising out of the War. The urgent need for industrial reconstruction at home led to an immense demand for engineering products, while, so far as foreign orders were concerned, though there was an immense potential demand, it only became partially effective during 1919. Foreign Competition at Home and Abroad. — In prac- tically aU branches of engineering, manufacturers at home are faced with actual or potential competition in industrial countries abroad, notably the United States of America, Germany, Belgium, France and Switzerland. The extent to which this competition is felt varies considerably, but it is felt acutely in certain industries, viz., agricultural machinery, electrical machinery, steel castings, hardware, machine tools, motor cars, steam engines, pumps, etc. Equipment of Works. — -Very complete returns were sent in by many firms concerning their equipment and facilities for turning out work economically, and apparently considerable advances have been made in this direction during the period 1913 to 1919. In view, however, of the difficulty in adequately tabulating these returns, no detailed report is made at this Working Hours 23 stage, but it is fully dealt with in the report of the visits to the representative establishments. Lighting, Ventilation and Heating. — Considerable advance has been made in lighting and ventilation between the comparative years, and the heating arrangements have also improved. Horse -power Available. — In the case of all the firms \vho gave sufficient information to enable a comparison to be made, the position in the comparative years was as follows : — 1913. 1919. Total horse-power of motors in- stalled . . ., .. .. 121,501 162,461 Total number of employees .. 114,841 131,172 Horse-power per manual worker I '05 1-23 It will be noted that the increase in the power supplied per worker was just over 17 per cent. Proportion of Manual Workers employed on Machines. — The proportion of manual workers employed on machines varies from one branch of the industry to the other, and also from firm to firm in each particular branch of the industr)", and for this reason it is impossible to give a general average without the danger of being misleading, but the information supplied indicates that the proportion has increased by approximately 6 per cent. Numbers Employed. — The numbers employed b)- the firms furnishing returns are shown in the following table : — Males over 21 Females over 21 Males under 21 Females under 21 Total (males) Total (females) (irand TtUal 1913- I9I9. 120,306 131,062 2,o8o 7,309 28,368 32,019 1,484 2,756 148,674 163,081 3.564 10,065 152,238 173,146 Hours of Labour.— In 191 3 tlic 53-hour week, with the two-break system, predominated. In 1919 the 47-hour week, with the one-break sjstcm, was practically universal. 24 Report of Joint Investigation Committee The following table shows the average number of hours worked per week per employee in each year : — 1913- 1919. Time workers only • 49-6 44-8 Piece workers only • 48-9 44-3 All workers • 49-5 447 Average overtime • 4-5 1-9 Total average time worked . • 54-0 46-6 Nightshift Hours. — The records with regard to the per- centage of total nightshift hours to total normal dayshift hours were evidently not kept with sufficient accuracy to enable satisfactory returns to be made. Holidays. — The average number of days in which works were idle through authorised holidays increased from I5"5 in 191 3, to I7"5 in 1919, while the average number of days of idleness due to unauthorised holidays increased from "] in 1913 to 27 in 1919. Payment by Results. — Some system or other of payment by results is in operation to varying extents in practically all firms. Firms mention a number of cases where piecework would have been introduced but for objections raised by the trade unions concerned, and this applies particularly to patternmakers and foundrymen. Between 191 3 and 1919 there have been a certain number of cases of changes from timework to piecework. As a rule the change has been made on the initiative of the employers, but in some of the cases the application came from the work- people. The result has been an increase in earnings and output. It is reported that in a number of cases the efforts of the pieceworkers have been hampered through the fact that their assistants are not being paid by results, and in every case w^here it has been found possible to introduce payment by results for the assistants the result has been satisfactory. In most cases where it has been tested, it has been found that a system of individual payment by results is better than a system of collective payment by results. Attitude of Men to New Appliances. — Most firms report that they have received reasonable assistance from their Working Hours 2; employees in making the fullest use of up-to-date appliances and new methods of work, but objections to the introduction of new appliances are reported in a certain number of cases. The most general objection that is reported is to the employ- ment of moulding machines in the foundry. Some firms state that they find difficulty in inducing men to superintend more than one machine, even though there is no difficulty at all in doing so. Efficiency of Production. — The efficiency of production in 1919 was adversely affected by a great number of factors including the change over from war products and war con- ditions to peace products and peace conditions ; shortage of supplies of all kinds and in particular of castings, owing to the moulders' strike ; shortage of certain classes of work- people, notably patternmakers, moulders, coremakers, sheet metal workers, boilermakers and apprentices ; shorter working hours ; stoppage of overtime ; decrease of effort ; limitation of production ; sectional strikes ; and Government control. Very complete returns were made by many firms showing the extent to which production had been adversely affected in 1919, but in view of the many causes influencing this, and of the abnormal conditions existing during 1919, no detailed statement of these returns is presented, but it is dealt with fully in the report on the visits to representative firms. Canteen, Welfare, and First-Aid Arrangements. — Between 1913 and 1919 there were great extensions in the provision of canteens, first-aid equipment and welfare arrange- ments. The extent of the provision varied according to local circumstances. Special Provision for Workers engaged in Dangerous and Unhealthy Occupations. — In accordance with the provisions of the Factory Act, arrangements are made to safeguard workers against the dangers which arise in special occupations. Lavatory and Cloakroom Accommodation. — Between 191 3 and 1919 improvements took place in the matter of the provision of lavatory and cloakroom accommodation in most engineering workshops, and in 1919 satisfactory accommodation was the rule rather than the exception. 26 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Foundry Equipment. — With regard to foundry equip- ment, there was a considerable increase in the number of firms using moulding machines in 1919 as compared with 191 3. The increase applies both to hand-operated moulding machines and power-operated. In general, moulding machines were not operated by fully skilled men, and the increase in 1919 compared with 191 3 was mainly amongst men not fully skilled. SECTION III. VISITS TO WORKS IN JUNE AND JULY, 1920. List of Firms visited and their Products. Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Ltd., Close Works, Newcastle. Ironfounders. Sir Wm. Arrol & Co., Ltd., Glasgow. Manufacturers of all types of cranes and furnace-charging machines. Babcock & Wilcox, Ltd., Renfrew. Manufacturers of water-tube boilers and various mechanical applicances to be used with the boilers. Manufactures are the same now as before the War. Wm. Beardmore & Co., Ltd., Dalmuir. Firm are shipbuilders and marine engineers. Locomotive repairs and boilers for locomotives. John Brown & Co., Ltd., Clydebank. Firm are shipbuilders and marine engineers. Cammell, Laird & Co., Ltd., Birkenhead. Engaged in shipbuilding and ship repairing. Cr.ARKE, Chapman & Co., Ltd., Gateshead-on-Tyne. Manufacturers of steam and electric winches for ship and dockyard purposes, pumps and condensors for marine purposes, special type of water-tube boilers, and other boilers and also such electric motors and generators as are required for electric winches, and the dynamos of ships' lighting sets. Cole, Marchant & Morlev, Ltd., Bradford. Manufacturers of high-class steam engines and condensing plant in sizes from about 200 h.p. to 3,000 h.p. 28 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Darlington Forge Co., Ltd., Darlington. Manufacturers of large forgings and steel castings for marine and land apparatus, including locomotive work, as well as a number of small articles. Dennis Bros., Guildford. Firm are manufacturers of three-ton motor lorries, motor charabancs and motor fire engines. The normal output is 20 lorries, 20 charabancs and two fire engines per week. T. W. Dickson, Esq., Whitechapel. Jobbing and repair founders. Fairbairn Lawson Combe Barbour, Ltd., Leeds (Lawson Branch). Manufacturers of specialised machinery for flax and certain other branches of textile industries. Fairbairn Macpherson Branch, Leeds. Manufacturers of similar machinery to the Lawson Branch, but of larger sizes, and also of large machine tools. John Fowler & Co., Ltd., Leeds. Manufacturers of ploughing machines, tractors, and various other agricultural implements operated by steam power. R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co., Ltd., Newcastle-on-Tyne. Firm are marine engineers, but at the time of the visit were also engaged in the production of locomotives. R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co., Ltd., Hebburn-on-Tyne. Firm are shipbuilders, the marine engineering work being done at the Newcastle works. LiTHGOws, Ltd., Port Glasgow. Shipbuilders. North British Locomotive Works, Hyde Park, Glasgow. Locomotive manufacturers. J. Stone & Co., Ltd., Deptford. Manufacturers of railway lighting sets, water-tight doors and gear, ships' lights and frames, and bronze castings. Working Hours 29 Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Ltd., Wallsend- on-Tyne. Shipbuilders, ship repairers and marine engineers. VicKERs, Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness. Engaged in shipbuilding, marine engine building, gun mounting work, locomotive building, and also manufacturers of steam turbines, oil engines and gas engines, and a great variety of engineering products. Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Co., Ltd., Wallsend- on-Tyne, Machine fitting and erecting work. Engineers and ship repairers. J. Warner, Ltd., Whitechapel. Ironfounders. Equipment and Organisation. Firm No. 1. — The business is an old one, and has been gradually built up. The shops are somewhat scattered, but generally well built and well adapted for their work. The pattern shop and smithy were rather congested, but a rearrangement of the shops was in progress, while a new works has recently been built. The machine tool equipment is satisfactory and the new tool room is excellent. The same applies to the brass foundry. The Committee were impressed by the ample provision in the way of cranes, etc. Firm No. 2. — The firm was established in 1850. The foundry is a converted dwelling-house, 'ihe character of the work is against moulding machines. Firm No. 3. — The comnicnis arc practicall) the same as I he prc\ ious case. Firm No. 4. -As a whole the shops are well built, laid out, ventilated and heated, and good arrangements provided for transport of goods from shop to shop. Firm No. 5. — The works were established 50 )ears ago, but some of the older shops — and this applies in particular 30 Report of Joint Investigation Committee to the foundries — are out of date in equipment, partly because moulders object to moulding machines. The machinery as a whole is good, and some of it is quite new. Firm No. 6. — As a whole the shops are satisfactory and well equipped. One shop is covered in at one end and not the other. The timekeeping at the covered-in end is much more satisfactory than at the other end. Firm No. 1. — The shops as a whole are weU equipped, but one of the old shops is not very well lighted, and the ventilation of the foundry not as good as it might be, but a new foundry was in course of construction, which will be equipped in the most up-to-date manner. The speed of operation of the machines was high. Firm No. 8. — The shipyard has a large number of building berths, some of which are covered in. Timekeeping in the covered berths is not satisfactory. A wet basin for fitting out, capable of accommodating three of the largest size passenger vessels as well as one or two smaller craft is situated about the centre of the works. The machine tool equipment is excellent. In the plating . department there are two large De Bergue multiple punching machines. The joiners' shop is very large and is not provided with dust collecting plant, though the introduction of such plant was under consideration. Firm No. 9. — The works are laid out for the construction of warships and passenger vessels of the largest size and highest class. The building berths are splendidly equipped, together with all the shops that are necessary to make all fittings. Two of the berths are covered in, but despite this half the workers employed in these covered-in berths stayed away when it was wet. Good transport arrangements are provided by means of broad and narrow gauge railways. The plating shops are covered in, and wet weather has no ill effect on timekeeping in these. The organisation for the stacking and handling of structural material is excellent. Practically all the shops are well built and well equipped, but the lack of a lift was Working Hours 31 noticed in the joiners' shop, where materials had to be carried up by staircase to the gallery. The iron foundry was splendidly ventilated. Firm No. 10. — In one yard the shops are old and badly lighted, though the machinery is up to date, except that there are no multiple punching machines. The building berths are well equipped. In the other yard shops and berths were very satisfactory, having recently been reconstructed on modern lines. Firm No. 11. — The machine fitting and erecting shop is rather old and congested in one part, but the remainder is modern, well lighted and equipped in every way. The old part of the building is to be remodelled. The smithy, pattern shop, plumbers' shop, coppersmiths' shop, sheet iron workers' shop, iron foundry and brass foundry are all well built, lighted and equipped. The firm has a dry dock, 540 feet long, provided with its own shop for ordinary machine work. Firm No. 12. — The river banks introduce certain difficulties in the layout of the machine shops, but the best has been done to overcome them. The building berths are well equipped. The various shops are well equipped, with the exception of the plumbers' and sheet iron workers' shop, which is small and only moderately well equipped. Good handling arrange- ments, both in the way of cranes and railway sidings, are provided. The layout of some of the shops is rather scattered, on account of the situation of an old dry dock, and renders necessary a certain amount of duplication of machinery. Firm No. 13. — The engine shops are old, lofty and provided with good cranes. The machine tools are satisfactor\-. Some sections of the shops are rather congested. The general layout of the works is hampered by the configuration of the ground, a condition which applied to many establishments in this district on account of the nature of the river banks. The best has been done to overcome this disadvantage. Firm No. 14. — The largest machine shops are old, and the driving arrangements of the machine tools are not up to date. 32 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Though many of the machines are not of the latest type, yet many of them have been designed and constructed by the firm for carrying out specific operations, and great thought has been devoted to the design of both the machines and the jigs used, and tlie organisation of production appeared to be good. The equipment of other machine shops is more modern than that of the large machine shops. The foundry is old and the ventilation not very good, but the crane equipment is efficient, and pneumatic and hydraulic machines had been installed, but had been abandoned in favour of hand-operated machines, as being more satisfactory. Pneumatic appliances had been abandoned in the fettling shop on account of the very high cost of maintenance. Firm No. 15. — There are six machine shops, two old and four quite new. In the old shops the equipment is out of date and the shops congested. In the new shops the equip- ment both of cranes and machine tools is admirable. The foundry is well equipped, and the same applies to the fettling shop and the pattern shop, while the forges are up to date in • every respect. Firm No. 16. — -The shops as a whole are good and well lighted, and equipped with modern machines of good class. A new erecting shop was being built and the tool room was being remodelled. The foundry is badly equipped with cranes, but new ones were being installed, and this will facilitate the work of the moulders and will make possible a more satisfactor)- system of piecework. Firm No. 17. — Owing to the seasonal nature of the trade, calling for quick delivery after orders are placed, very large quantities of parts have to be stored, and a great deal of the area is occupied by large storage buildings. The machine shops are somewhat old, but are equipped with modern tools. The crane equipment is not altogether satisfactory in the heavy machine erection, on account of the head room being taken up by belt drives. The quality of the work produced is of a high standard. Firm No. 18. — The equipment of one section of the works is old and unsatisfactory, but so far as the other section is Working Hours 33 concerned the equipment has been remodelled and the speed of operation increased since the Armistice. Firm No. 19.— The works are old, but generally well lighted, with good floors. The layout of the machine shops is not up to date, and the majority of the machine tools are old and somewhat slow in operation. The head room in the smaller machine shops is much obstructed by belting, but the machine shops for dealing with heavier classes of work are better arranged. Though the nature of the firm's output prevents mass production, strictly so called, there is a great number of parts produced on repetition lines, and the Committee was of the opinion that considerable improvements might be effected in the present method of machining such parts, and by working on more standardised lines. Firm No. 20. — The works are very extensive, including a large wet basin, a number of very large graving docks, and smaller graving docks with very satisfactory crane equipment. The equipment is excellent, and any old plant is rapidly being replaced by new. Firm No. 21. — The works are very large, and as a whole very well equipped indeed, with a large number of building berths. Much of the equipment is new, and a great deal of the older equipment was in course of replacement. With the cessation of the War it had been necessary to change the character of the work to an enormous extent, and to reorganise the yards and works accordingly, and this had been done with great success, and satisfactory efforts had been made to secure the new classes of work necessary to keep busy. Firm No. 34. — The joiners' shop, pattern shop and wood breaking out department are very old, and not equipped with the most modern plant. One of the fitting-out wharves is old, narrow and rather congested, but for physical reasons cannot be greatly improved. The others are well equipped. The platers' sheds are well equipped and splendidly laid out. The building berths are all well equipped, some covered in with glazed berths. The engine shops are modern, well laid out and well provided with cranes. The boiler shops are old, 34 Report of Joint Investigation Committee not well lighted, but a new one is to be constructed. The dry dock department, comprising two dry docks and two pontoons, is well equipped. Timekeeping and Overtime. Firm No. 6. — The management stated that in addition to the improved timekeeping, which resulted from the shorter working week and better arrangements for the supply of material, coupled with more efficient management and the closest supervision of the progress of material through the shops, many of the difficulties with regard to the rate of output were obviated. Firm No. 8. — The shipyard was out of balance, partly due to shortage of production from the shipwrights' depart- ments, due in turn to the shortage of men and the non-adoption of a system of payment by results which would compensate for the unavoidable shortage of men. If this balance could be restored, a further thousand workers could have been employed. Firm No. 10. — It was observed that the men ceased work some considerable time before the proper stopping time. Firm No. 11. — Timekeeping is fairly good. Two or three minutes' grace is allowed, but men arriving after the period of grace has expired are shut out until the dinner hour, unless good cause can be shown for being late. When men are shut out in the morning, they seldom return until the next day. Each case is investigated by the foreman at the time. It was complained that much time is lost every day due to the men ceasing work before the regular stopping time, and that it is a common thing to find some 50 per cent, of the men had ceased work about 15 minutes before the proper stopping time in the afternoon. Firm No. 12. — Complaint was made by the management of the bad timekeeping of certain sections of workers, especially the riveters, the average weekly hours worked in the month of March being only 38. It was stated in answer to a question as to timekeeping, that it was no better than the year before. Working Hours 35 Firm No. 13. — The firm had no serious complaint to make in regard to timekeeping of the men, except in the boiler shop. It was stated the firm had always enjoyed a reputation for good timekeeping. Firm No. 14. — No complaints were made about time- keeping. It was stated that all reasonable latitude is given to the workpeople who start work after the regular time of starting if the lateness was due to unforeseen circumstances in connection with transport facilities, etc. Firm No. 15. — The firm had no coinplaint whatever to make as to timekeeping on the part of their workmen. Firm No. 17. — Owing to the restriction on overtime, shops have become seriously out of balance from time to time, and considerable loss of output had been caused. The firm had done all they could to overcome this by getting additional men, adjusting prices, and working a nightshift, and the output of boilers had increased from 16 to 38 per month. Unfortunately, the moulders' strike shortly afterwards unbalanced various sections of the works, and output in the boiler shop had to be reduced. Firm No. 20. — Timekeeping seems to be very unsatis- factory, and it was ascertained from the firm's daily records that out of 6,600 employed in the shipyard there were on an average 500 absentees per day. The Committee, when going through the yard, noticed from 11.35 ^•^- ^^^^ noon, when the works stopped for the dinner hour, considerable numbers of men had ceased work and were proceeding to the main exits, large numbers being gathered at the time office when the buzzer blew. Firm No. 21. — Timekeeping was unsatisfactory. Out of 5,000 employees in the shipyard there were on the average 236 absent every day. Timekeeping in tlie engineering departments is bad, but not as bad as in the sliipyard. There were many complaints as to the slackness of tlie men in both starting and stopping work, and the Committee saw for themselves plentiful evidence of this disgraceful state of affairs in the portion of the works they happened to be in just before 12 noon. 36 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Firm No. 34. — In the dry dock department it was stated that there is no general complaint to make except after holidays. Systems of Payment. Firm No. 1. — The semi-skilled operators who operate moulding machines in the foundry are on piecework, and the whole of the electrical departments are on piecework. Firm No. 4. — All work is done on payment by results, the " Halsey " system b'eing used mainly. Firm No. 5. — At the time of the visit 30 to 40 per cent, of the men were working on time, but generally work is done on piece. In the forge a tonnage basis prevails. Firm No. 6. — During the War all work was on piece. After the Armistice timework was resumed, with the result that output was considerably reduced. The situation became so bad that the firm seriously considered closing down the whole of the works. Before doing so the management placed the position frankly and fully before the men, and the workmen were deeply impressed and agreed to work straight piecework, since when output had been satisfactory and no complaints had been received from the workmen or their representatives. Earnings vary from 33^ to 75 per cent, over time rates, and cases of 100 per cent, were not unknown. The management stated they were strongly opposed to cutting prices, as such action resulted in destroying the con- fidence of the men and hindered output. Firm No. 7. — The system of payment throughout the works is straight piecework. The Committee were of opinion that the workers were trying to obtain the maximum output. There was no difficulty in keeping the workpeople at work until the proper leaving-off time. Piecework earnings for machinists range from 50 per cent. to 75 per cent, above time rates, and for boilermakers practi- cally 100 per cent. Firm No. 8. — Generally the method of remuneration of the workpeople throughout the works is as follows : — The ironworking trades of the shipyard department are on Working Hours 37 straight piecework to prices set out in the Clyde piecework price list. The mechanics' department and the brass finishers in the shipyard are on a premium bonus. The whole of the general labourers and platelayers are on premium bonus. The stagers are on straight piecework to lists mutually arranged in the works. The helpers to platers in the ironworking department are on enhanced time rate when the plater is employed on piece- work. The sheet iron workers, after a period of over two years on straight piecework to prices mutually fixed with individual workers, have reverted to plain timework, which has resulted in a considerable diminution of output from that department. The electricians, after a period of over three years on pre- mium bonus, have reverted to ^lain timework, with very considerably diminished output and earnings to the workers concerned. All the other trades and departments in the shipyard have from time to time been approached to adopt some system of payment by results, but so far no agreement had been arrived at. The engine department and engine shops are on premium bonus throughout. In the boiler shop the workpeople are on straight indixiJual piecework. In the engineering section of the locomotive and gun- mounting department, both straight piecework and premium bonus are in operation. The boilermaking section of this department is on straight piecework. Where premium bonus is in operation in the establishment the " Halsey " system is the one adopted. Firm No. 11. — Direct piecework has been the custom at these works for about 35 years. To-day the earnings of the pieceworkers vary from 40 per cent, to 90 per cent, above the basis time rates. Firm No. 12. — It was stated that about half the shipwrights were working on piecework and were earning considerably more money than those employed t)ii timework. 38 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Firm No. 13. — In the boiler shop, the boilermakers work piecework and have done so for a considerable number of years. The other departments are now working on plain time. The moulders were then considering proposals for some system of payment by results, and the firm think it will probably be agreed to. The foundry dressers will follow the decision of the moulders. With regard to the other departments, attempts had been made from time to time to introduce a system of payment by results, and, though it is believed that a large number of the men are favourable, nothing had been done owing to the opposition of the District Committee. Firm No. 14. — The Committee were informed that piece- work was in operation in the boiler shop and part of the fettling shop, but that in the machine shops, erecting shops and elec- trical departments, work was entirely on time. A system of piecework had been in operation in the machine shops and erecting shops, but was discontinued owing to a change in the type of steam winches built. Firmi No. 15. — Until two years before the visit, it was the custom in the machine shop to work on time, despite efforts made from time to time to introduce some system of payment by results. In the last two years a tonnage system had been introduced, but, so far, not with full success, owing, in the opinion of the management, to the objection of men to pro- posals to increase speeds and feeds. In the foundry timework alone is in operation, the men refusing an offer for a tonnage system. In the fettling shop payment is on a tonnage basis. With regard to the foundry, the management stated that the men would not accept any system of payment by results, as their Union opposed the principle of piecework. Firm No. 16. — Machine shops are on time, all efforts to introduce payment by results being ineffective, though it was felt that the majority of the men themselves were in favour of it. In the foundry, a system of collective piecework is in operation. It is felt that this system does not stimulate extra individual effort in the same way as individual piecework. Working Hours 39 Firm No. 17. — Machinemen, fitters, erectors, boilermakers and waggon builders are mainly paid under a system of piece- work. In the erecting shop, a collective system of piecework is in operation. There are five gangs, each composed of from 10 to 12 men and boys, who share in one price. In the machine shops, the average piecework earnings show an increase over time rates of about 40 per cent., and in isolated cases 75 per cent, increase and double time are earned. In the case of riveters and other men on boiler work, the earnings average about 40 per cent. In the foundry a bonus system on tonnage has been in operation for some time, and has had the effect of increasing output in certain classes of work. Firm No. 18.— Machinemen work on time, as it has not been possible to come to some arrangement for a system of payment by results. In the foundry, a tonnage bonus is in operation on similar lines to the one at the previous works. Firm No. 19. — In all the machine shops, the method of payment is by piece. In the foundry, the method of payment is by time with a tonnage bonus. Firm No. 20. — Both payment by results and by time is in operation. Firm No. 21. — The shipyard was out of balance owing to inability to obtain sufficient numbers of shipwrights, plumbers and joiners, but the Unions, though unable to suppl\- the men, absolutely refused to consicer any system of pavment by results in the departments concerned for tlic purpose of bring- ing about the requisite balance of output. Firm No. 34. — In tlie iron working sections, some of the men are on piecework. The shipwrights, however, unlike other Tyne shops, were not working on piecework, the men in this case refusing to adopt it. With the exception of the boiler shop, tlie engine department was working on plain time. The firm had been considering the introduction of payment by results, but did not put it into operation owing to the manner in which the system had been resisted by the District Committee. 40 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Firm No. 35. — Moulders and dressers work under a system of payment by results. Efficiency of Production. Firm -No. 1 . — The management stated that, with the change in hours, rates had been altered in the proportion of 47 to 54, and the men were drawing practically the same money, thus showing that their output had declined roughly in proportion to the reduction in hours. Firm No. 2. — The management stated that the Individual rate of output was lower under the 47 hours than under 54. The absence of modern facilities was noted, and .there was no considered method of economical production. Firm No. 4. — The shop is well managed in every way, but its output was being hampered by shortage of materials. Firm No. 5. — As a rule the number of locomotives in an order at a time is 10, though recently an order of 50 in one case and 90 in another had been received. It was stated that it was difficult to say what the effect of the introduction of the 47-hour week had been on output, because they had been very mv;ch hampered through difficul- ties with materials, and if the supply of materials had been adequate they could be turning out twice as many locomotives per week. At the moment they were finishing three to four per day. He was of opinion that the men, if they liked, could turn out as much in the 47-hour week as in the 52 hours. Firm No. 6. — During the War piecework was worked. At the end there was a change over from piecework to timework, with the result that output was considerably reduced. After the matter had been placed before the workpeople, they agreed to go back to straight piecework, since when the output has been satisfactory. Earnings from piecework are anything from 33^ per cent, to 100 per cent, above time rates. One of the Directors stated he was satisfied that the work- people were doing their best, and said he could not answer definitely whether output was equal under the"47 hours to what Working Hours 41 it had been under 53. They had been hampered by shortages of material which made it difficult for them to judge satisfac- torily the effect of the change of the hours. Firm No. 7. — The speed of operation of the machines was high. The system of payment throughout the works is straight piecework. The Committee were of the opinion that all the piece- workers were trying to obtain a maximum output and they worked right up to stopping time. Piecework earnings averaged 50 per cent, and 75 per cent, above time rates, and for boilermakers practically 100 per cent. When the supply of hydraulic power was limited, it was necessary to work three shifts of 42^ hours, and the men succeeded in earning as much in the 42^ hours as previously in 47. The management had tried to introduce the three-shift arrangement in another department, but the men would not agree. Firm No. 8. — Work was somewhat out of balance, due to shortage of production from the shipwrights' department, due partly to shortage of men and partly to bad output from the men in that department. The fact that many departments had changed over from piecework to timework makes it difficult to say what was the effect of the reduction in hours, but there is a serious diminution in all these departments where there had been a change over from piecework to time- work. Firm No. 9. — The management stated that output had fallen in proportion to the reduction in hours, viz., 54 to 47. Firm No. 10. — The management stated that the output had been reduced in proportion to the reduction in hours of labour, i.e., to 47/5 3rds of what it had been before the reduction. Firm No. 11. — It was stated that a reduction in working hours had led to a drop in output of 20 per cent. They had some difficulty with materials, but this had never been serious enough to hinder output. As an example of the reduction in output, it was stated that in 1913, 100 single ended boilers 42 Report of Joint Investigation Committee were turned out as against 80 in 191 9, the size and type being the same in each case. Firm No. 12.^ — This firm stated that the output to-day was 25 per cent, less than in the pre-war period, but part of this was due to bad timekeeping. The riveters had only averaged during the month of March, 1920, about 38 hours, if anything, worse than in the same rnonth of 1 91 9. Half the shipwrights were on piecework and were earning considerably more than others on timework. The change over to piece- work had followed the introduction of the 47-hour week, and in consequence it was felt that output was better than imme- diately prior to the change. Firm No. 13.— Organisation generally was not up to the usual standard, because a certain amount of the usual marine engine work had been held up owing to the temporary introduction of locomotive work. The firm possesses a very fine wharf on the water frontage, for the purpose of installing machinery in vessels, together with a very fine store adjoining the wharf, lofty, well lighted and adequately equipped. The management stated that the present weekly output was about 47/5 3rds of the pre-War weekly output. Firm No. 14. — The men working on time appeared to be working well, and with a good spirit. The managing director stated that it would not have been possible to obtain the output they were getting to-day, if they had not employed additional men, and had not improved the facilities for dealing with the work. Owing to the careful organisation of the main machine shop for repetition work, and to the good spirit which prevailed, the managing director thought a fair rate of output was being obtained, though it was not equal to 1913. With regard to the moulding shop, despite the erection of additional bays, the installation of a large number of moulding machines and improved crane equipment, the output was less than in 191 3 to an extent which cannot be explained by the reduction in working hours alone^ Apparently the men were not desirous of increasing their earnings beyond a certain amount. The restriction of output in the foundry prevented Working Hours 43 the employment of more people in the machine shops. The relationship between the firm and the employees appeared to be very satisfactory. Firm No. 15. — It was stated by the management that it was very difficult to make definite comparisons between output now as compared with 191 3, but in certain cases the same men in the foundry are taking 50 to 100 per cent, longer to do identically the same jobs than they took in 191 3. As regards machining, a large amount of work is taking 25 per cent, longer now than in 191 3 though facilities are better. The management attributed this to psychological reasons, but lack of materials had affected them also. Recently, however, there had been signs of improvement. Firm No. 16. — It was stated that generally in the machine shops the amount of work done to-day is less than prior to the War, partly due to an insufficient supply of materials, and partly due to the indifference of the men. Firm No. 17. — The management stated that there were many difficulties in the way of getting efficient production, of which the greatest was the " lack of elasticity," i.e., difficulties in obtaining additional men for rush work and the embargo on overtime, etc. Firm No. 18. — In a branch of this firm's works visited by the Committee, it was stated that owing to a complete change of their equipment no comparisons could be made. Firm No. 19. — The management stated that in 191 3 a certain type of machine could be manufactured in four weeks, whereas in 191 9 it took at least six weeks. They stated that output had gone down to a greater extent than could be accounted for by the reduction in working hours. Their foundry is the bottle neck, and the number of employees there had declined from 158 in 1913 to 122 in 1919. The shortage of castings was preventing the employment of more workpeople in other departments. The firm has practically no competition in the home market, and has had little in the past abroad, but America and Germany are becoming strong competitors. 44 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Despite the fact that the works are very old, and the tools are mainly old, the firm has maintained its position in the industry through the intelligent application of its wide expe- rience in connection with their special branch of industry. Firm No. 20. — The management stated that so far as piecework men were concerned, the change from the 53 to the 47-hour week had made no difference to output, because the number of actual hours worked had not changed. So far, however, as men working on time were concerned, output had decreased by 10 per cent. The Committee were much impressed by the general slack- ness of the men employed throughout the whole establishment, and this was particularly marked in the case of the engine shops where few men appeared to be working well. The best effort was being put forward by the workers in the boiler shop, where men were working on straight piecework. The establishment was out of balance owing to a considerable shortage of shipwrights, plumbers and joiners, and despite the efforts of the firm and of the unions concerned it had not been possible to obtain the number required to balance the estab- lishment. The Unions concerned refused to entertain a system of payment by results in order to secure increased output. Under the Restitution of Pre- War Practices Act the firm had been obliged to revert from the premium bonus system to plain time in the case of joiners, plumbers and bricklayers. In the case of bricklayers the result had been a drop from 800 bricks to 350. Firm No. 34. — In the dry dock department it appears that the time taken for an ordinary docking, including cleaning and painting of outer bottom, withdrawal of tail shaft for examination and replacing of same, which formerly occupied three tides, i.e., 36 hours, now took 72 hours. The men were now working about the same hours per week as when the 53-hour week was in operation, and so far as piece workers were concerned, the output per week had not materially altered, but there had been a considerable reduction in output so far as time workers were concerned. It was stated that a large number of men were satisfied with the money they could earn, and therefore did not give the fuU output that could be obtained in the 47-hour week. Working Hours 45 Firm No. 35. — The works during the War were used as a gun factory. They were in course of reconstruction for use as an iron foundry, and when finished are likely to be one of the most up-to-date iron foundries in the country. Ninety moulders are now employed, but ultimately it is expected to employ about 400 moulders and 150 apprentices. Foreign Trade and Foreign Competition. Firm No. 4. — Competition has been experienced from France, a French firm manufacturing articles similar to those manufactured by the firm at a price 3^200 lower than they can quote. The price of their own goods was not stated, but this difference is presumably more than the amount of profit. This competition was attributed partly to the rate of exchange. It is anticipated that severe competition from America will be felt in the future, though it has not been felt in the past. Firm No. 18. — This firm suffers from strong competition on the part of American manufacturers of heavy machine tools. Firm No. 19. — This firm is in a very strong position, having had practically a monopoly in the past in regard to foreign competition both at home and abroad, but it seems probable that in the future both America and Germany will become strong competitors, particularly overseas. Welfare of Workers. Firm No. 4. — A large canteen is provided, for which tlie firm bears the cost of lighting and heating and one attendant. The rest of the charges are paid out of the receipts, and the canteen is self-supporting. It is managed by a committee of the workers. Firm No. 6. — ^There is a welfare department, concerning itself more particularly with the educational training of the boys. Firmi No. 8. — A well-equipped ambulance station is pro- vided, and a doctor visits daily. There is a motor ambulance, which can be used after hours if the employees require it for private cases in their own families. 46 Report of Joint Investigation Committee A very efficient boys' welfare department exists. There is a school for the technical training of apprentices and other boys, who get free tuition with pay for three hours a week during working hours during the eight winter months. All the teachers are drawn from the staff of the works. There is a cadet corps of about 300 boys, who spend their annual summer holidays in camp. The boys' welfare supervisor makes arrangements for concerts, sports, etc., as well as advising the boys in their actual work. No canteen is provided, as none has been necessary up to now, but the management would be prepared to give favourable consideration to the provision of a canteen if it were thought necessary. Firm No. 9. — Special attention is paid to the workshop and theoretical training of the apprentices. The welfare depart- ment is controlled by a workman who has a natural aptitude for handling boys, and who is on good terms with the manage- ment and workmen. Ambulance stations are placed in various parts of the yard, and are well equipped. There is a doctor, who gives the whole of his time. In cases of illness or accident sufficiently serious to be sent home, but not serious enough to be sent to the hospital, a private carriage is provided, instead of the firm's ambulance, so as to avoid alarming the man's relatives when he arrives home. Firm No. 10. — Excellent canteen facilities are provided, capable of accommodating 500 workers. Firm No. 13. — There is a very fine main ambulance station, which is visited every morning by a local doctor, and first-aid ambulance requisites are provided at a large number of points throughout the works. The firm has its own motor ambulance. The welfare work is undertaken by a number of the heads of the firm. Great attention is devoted to education. Firm No. 14. — The new canteen was formerly a private residence, where Charlotte Bronte had once lived. The canteen is managed by the workpeople, but the overhead expenses are borne by the firm. Working Hours 47 The ambulance and welfare departments are efficient, and the sanitary arrangements at the works beyond criticism. The interests of the boys are very carefully looked after, and every assistance is given them to obtain technical education, bonuses being paid to the boys according to their educational success. The management stated that the relationship between the management and the workers was very satisfactory. Firm No. 15. — A works committee is in existence, and the relations between the management and the committee are very satisfactory. The committee does not deal with the question of production, but has confined itself to grievances, suggestions and welfare questions. Firm No. 16. — The firm has installed a good canteen, which is managed by the works committee, the firm bearing the cost of lighting, heating, etc. The lavatory arrangements are particularly good. Smoking is allowed throughout the works, and this concession is not abused. No smoking is allowed in the lavatories during working hours. The management are satisfied that better feeling has been created in the works through the welfare arrangements. The works committee discusses all health and welfare matters as well as production matters. Firm No. 20. — There are three finely-equipped ambulance stations at convenient sites in the works, each under the charge of a qualified attendant. A doctor comes each morning at 1 1 o'clock to see the more serious cases. About 48,000 cases are treated per year. The firm has its own motor ambulance, and has established a convalescent home for the accommo- dation of men recovering from illness and accidents. There are two large canteens, one to accommodate 900, and the other 600. About 450 people arc served in each canteen every day. Firm No. 34. — Welfare is very highly organised indeed, special attention being devoted to the interests of the boys. There is a day school for theoretical work and a worksliop school, in which tlie apprentice- spends the first six months of his time. The welfare supervisor and liii lady assistant 48 Report of Joint Investigation Committee keep in touch with the boys' parents. A summer camp is provided, to which the boys go in parties of 18 for their holiday. There is a gymnasium and a bilhard room, and the management are very well satisfied with the results of the welfare scheme since it was established two years before the visit of the Committee. Excellent canteens and lavatory arrangements are provided. There are also modern and well-equipped ambulance stations, together with the whole-time services of a doctor. SECTION IV. VISITS TO WORKS IN BELGIUM, GERMANY AND HOLLAND. April-May, 192 i. List of Firms visited and their Products. Soc. Anon. John Cockerill, Antwerp. The works are purely a shipbuilding establishment. Mercantile and Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., Antwerp. Ship repairing. 13 I'LL Telephone Co., Ltd., Antwerp. Manufacturers of telephone apparatus. Soc. Anon, des Usines, Forges et Fonderies de la Provi- dence, Charleroi. Constructional steel works of all scantlings and sections. Atelier de Fabrication d'Appareillage Electrique. Firm engaged in the production of electrical parts, such as switchboards and light switch gear generally. Soc. Anon, des Ateliers de Constructions Electriques DE Charleroi. Manufacturers of electrical plant and apparatus of all sizes and kinds. S. A. Ougree Mariiiaye, Ougree, Liege. Engaged on the production of steel sections of all descrip- tions. Compagnie Generale des Conduites d'Eau, Liege. One section of firm engaged on the manufacture of cast- iron spigot and socket pipes, ranging from 40 mm. to r25 metres in diameter by 4 metres long. 50 Report of Joint Investigation Committee The other section engaged on the manufacture of cast-iron valves for waterworks and gas purposes, special pipes, econo- misers and pumping machinery. Soc. Anon, John Cockerill, Liege. Works employed on the production of reciprocating turbine and Diesel machinery and boilers for marine work, large gas engines and small locomotives for Belgian suburban lines. Fabrique Nationals des Armes de Guerre, Herstal, Liege. Manufacturers of rifles, etc. Alfred H. Schutte Works, Cologne-Deutz. Manufacturers of machine tools. Felton and Guilleaume Carlswerk A.C, Cologne-Mulheim. Engaged in the production of steel wire, wire rope, wire netting, wire nails, and every kind of electrical cable, from bell wire up to submarine cable. Messrs. de Fries, Dusseldorf. Engaged in the production of machine tools. Messrs. " Werkspoor," Amsterdam. Engaged in the manufacture of Diesel engines, sugar crushing plant, etc. The Nederlandsche Scheepsbouw Maatschappij, Amster- dam. Shipbuilding. Were Conrad, Haarlem, near Amsterdam. Shipbuilding. New Waterway Shipbuilding Co., Schiedam. Ship repairing and shipbuilding. " Werf Gusto " firma A. F. Smulders, Schiedam. Engaged on dredger work, floating cranes and shore cranes. Rotterdam Dry Dock Co., Ltd., Schiedam. Shipbuilding and repair work. Interview with Belgian Minister of Labour, Brussels. Interview with Dutch Permanent Under-Secretary of Labour, The Hague. Working Hours 51 Soc. Anon. John Cockerill, Antwerp. Number of Employees. — This firm employs 1,400 people. Equipment. — Several of the shops are old and have no overhead crane equipment, but a new shop has been built of modern construction, lofty and light, in which fabrication work is carried out for large orders which they receive for light shallow-draft vessels for re-erection abroad. This firm has installed a compressed air system, and pneumatic tools are installed ready for use, but so far have not been used, and oxy-acetylene welding plant, adequate for the size of the yard, is installed. The character of work being carried out was of high order. There are four building berths, capable of building vessels up to 450 feet in length, all occupied with ships in course of construction. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — In 191 3 the working hours were 60 per week, and have now been reduced to 48 per week. Timekeeping was good, and men work up to stopping time. The men were desirous of working overtime whenever they were obliged, and there was no estimated limit to the amount of overtime that would be worked by the men. A good start is always made after holidays. Systems of Payment. — Payment by results is in general operation, and piecework rates are in all cases mutually agreed between the foreman and the workmen concerned. Efficiency of Production. — The shell work squads were giving 150 to 160 i-incli rivets per day and 220 J-inch rivets. On deck, bulkhead and casing work the output was 300 |-inch rivets per day. Foreign Trade. — The firm state that 50 per cent, of their business was for export. General Remarks. — It was stated that trade was fairly good, and they h.ui no difficulty in securing a sufficiency of orders. Export trade was good. 52 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Mercantile and Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., Antwerp. Number of Employees. — The firm employ 150 work- people, engaged solely upon repair work for their proprietors, a steamship company — the Lloyd Royal Beige. Equipment. — On account of slackness of world shipping, many of the vessels of the Lloyd Royal Beige were laid up, and consequently there was a very small amount of work in their repair shop. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — Working hours had been 60 per week in some cases, and 72 in others, and had now been reduced to a uniform 48 hours per week. Systems of Payment. — Men are engaged on repair work, and are paid one-sixth above the ordinary time rate. Efficiency of Production. — The firm stated that the efficiency per hour of their workers had been reduced as compared with the pre-War level. Bell Telephone Co., Ltd., Antwerp. Number of Employees. — The firm employ 2,600 people, 30 per cent, of whom are females. Equipment. — Equipment of the factory is of the very highest order and the organisation is exceptionally good, and it was noted that the factory was beyond criticism in every way. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — The whistle for lunch happened to blow when the Committee were passing through a busy shop, and it was noted there was no stoppage of work until the whistle actually blew. The management stated that lost time was practically unknown with them. The only lost time they had ever experienced was due to some epidemic. Systems of Payment. — Eighty-two and a half per cent, of the total employees work upon some system of payment by results, either straight piecework or a form of premium bonus, depending upon the nature of the work. New starters were put on a probationary period of from one Working Hours 53 to three months, depending on the nature of the employment. Standard time rates were paid during this period, whether earned or not, and any piecework bonus or premium bonus earned was paid. If, however, at the end of the period the employee failed to make good, two more opportunities on other work were given, and if unsuccessful, the employee was discharged. At one time the tool room, which is a very large and important section of these works, was paid on a system of collective piecework. This was found to be absolutely futile, and a system of individual premium bonus was intro- duced, with excellent results both to the employees and to the firm. Efficiency of Production. — Despite the fact that the plant had been completely removed by the Germans during the War, the organisation had been restored to even a higher state of efficiency than before the War, due, it was stated, to the experience gained by their officials elsewhere during the War. They considered they were obtaining 92^ per cent. efficiency from the factory, and expected to reach 100 per cent, in two months. As a result of the improved organisation the same output was being obtained in 48 hours as previously in 55. The firm, however, did not believe it an economic possi- bility to further reduce the working week, and preferred rather to consider an increase, and at a later date proposed to go for- ward to their employees with such a proposal. In one or two of their departments the introduction of a shorter working week had thrown the factory out of balance with regard to total production, and this had had to be overcome by exten- sions of the plant in this particular department. Welfare. — Very efficient arrangements are made for wel- fare, including rest rooms and mess rooms. General Remarks. — They had no difficulty whatever in securing ample business in keeping the factory fully supplied, and had enough orders for the next 12 months. Soc. Anon, dhs Usines, Forges et Fonderies DE LA Providence, Charleroi. Number of Employees. — Employed 3,000 before the W.ir, and now employ 2,000, the difference being due to the fact that 54 Report of Joint Investigation Committee the reconstruction arising out of the damage during the War was not yet completed. Equipment. — When the reconstruction has been carried through, the equipment will be of a very high order indeed. This is true of the equipment already installed, and, despite the difficulties, the organisation is already good. Owing to the practically total destruction of these works by the Germans, they have been able to reconstruct on entirely new lines, taken out of all the experience that has been gained throughout the world in their class of manufacture. One part of the new mill was already in operation. In the lay-out there was nothing whatever in the nature of patch or makeshift, and a very high efficiency should obtain when in full pro- duction. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — Before the War the hours of attendance were 12 hours per day for six days per week, with three breaks in the day, aggregating two hours, so that 10 hours were actually worked. At present they work three shifts of eight hours per day. There is no break for meals during the eight-hour shift, the men taking their food between heats. The same time is worked on Saturday as on any other day. The management stated there was no difficulty whatever through men being dilatory in their work, nor did they seek to stop work too early. Systems of Payment. — Practically the whole factory works on a collective bonus scheme in which the maintenance men share, but all payments are made individually to the men through the office. Foreign Trade. — The firm stated they had a very big export trade to South America, India, Japan and China. They are having strong competition from Germany on account of the internal value of the mark being higher than the external. Atelier de Fabrication d'Appareillage Electrique, Charleroi. The factory is very small and appeared to employ about 20 to 30 hands. The work on which they were employed was the Working Hours 55 production of electrical parts, such as switchboards and light switch gear generally. A good turn-out of work was being made by the men. The Director stated that, as far as he knew, none of his men were members of the Trade Unions. They are at present working a 6o-hour week. It was felt that, although it was quite interesting to have had an opportunity of seeing this small factory, any informa- tion secured there would not be of much service to the Com- mittee. Soc. Anon, des Ateliers de Constructions Electriques de Charleroi. Number of Employees. — In pre-War days they employed 3,500 and they now employ about 100 more. About 500 women are employed in the factory, mainly operating machines such as milling machines. Equipment. — During the War the whole equipment in the factory had been removed to Germany, but practically all of it had been recovered and the remainder replaced and the works largely extended. The ground space occupied by the firm covers a large area, with ample room for extensions. The shops were lofty and well lighted and well equipped with cranes, and on the floor good arrangements had been made for transport both by narrow and broad gauge railway. Hours, Overtime, Timekeeping, etc. — The working hours before the War were 58 1 and they are now 48. Systems of Payment. — Practically the wliole of the employees are employed on a system of payment by results, maintenance men and the tool room receiving the same average premium as the men for whom they work. Efficiency of Production. — Production per man-liour is slightly less now than pre-War. In the foundry 95 men and boys are employed in moulding, piecework being the rule both for hand moulding and macliine moulding. Their present out- put is 210 tons per month as compared witli 165 tons per month from 75 employees before the War. Pneumatic hammers are used for fettling, and it was stated that the men preferred them. 56 Report of Joint Investigation Committee This firm buy a considerable number of large castings, which they get from Germany, British prices and deliveries prevent- ing the orders being sent to England. Foreign Competition. — They experienced severe German competition, but are not troubled with American or British competition. They had experienced fairly severe competition from France. General Remarks. — They have been exceedingly busy from the time they resumed after the Armistice, and have been crowded out with reconstruction orders from their own country, and were still full up, though orders were falling off. Soc. Anon. Ougree Marihaye, Liege. No. of Employees. — This firm employs 4,000 workpeople. Equipment. — These works are engaged in the production of steel sections of all descriptions and wheels and axles. The works were in a state of reconstruction, the Germans having destroyed the vital parts of the factory before the Armistice. There were in operation two furnaces producing steel by the Bessemer process, six open-hearth furnaces and two elec- trical furnaces. One new mill was within a few days of being in operation for the production of mild steel plates for girder work, and a number of smaller mills were working. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — The pre-War hours in this factory were six shifts per week of lo| hours each. At present they work three shifts of 8 hours per day in the mills and on the furnaces. In the machine shops they work two shifts per day of 8 hours. No difference in wages is made for the shifts, either on the three-shift system or on the two-shift system. Efficiency of Production. — The firm stated that while unemployment was common in that locality, they could not secure the number of hands they required, this being, in their opinion, due to the fact that State unemployment pay, which was in vogue in their district, was preferred by many work- people to working in the mills. With regard to the production per man, it was exactly the same per hour at present as before the War, which gave them Working Hours 57 a weekly reduction in output equivalent to the reduction in hours. Foreign Trade. — The firm depend upon foreign trade to the extent of about 80 per cent., this being practically the same as in pre-War times. Their export trade is principally to South America, Great Britain, most of the British Colonies and Japan. CoMPAGNiE Generale des Conduites d'Eau, Liege. No. of Employees. — The Company employed 1,000 men during the War, but only 800 were engaged at the time of the visit, owing to reconstruction. Equipment. — The works are well organised and equipped, and are in a good position to turn out high-class work at a low cost. Systerais of Payment. — The whole of the operatives work on a piecework system. The labourers and the auxiliary men are paid a bonus based on the acreage of the piece workers' earnings in the departments when the men are placed. The bonus amounts to about 15 per cent, on the workers' basis rate. Foreign Trade. — The firm stated that German competition was felt very keenly, especially in Holland, where the Germans had practically cut them out altogether. Their export trade represented about 60 per cent, of their business both now and before the War. John Cockerill, Seraing. Number of Employees. — This firm employs 9,000 men. Before the War they employed 12,000. Wlien the reconstruc- tion of the factory is completed they expected to employ 130OO. Equipment. — A large part of the works had been destroyed during the War and the destroyed part had not yet been entirely re-established, but some of it was working again. Some equipment was old, but there was a goodly proportion of new machine tools. The shops were well lighted and well provided with handling appliances. 58 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — During the War the working hours were 1O2 per day for six days per week. They are now working eight hours per day for six days per week, the three-shift system being employed in those depart- ments where three shifts are necessary. Overtime in principle is opposed by the trade union repre- sentatives, but five hours per week is worked on maintenance work where necessary. A large proportion of their business is export. Fabrique Nationale des Armes de Guerre, Liege. Number of Employees. — The firm employ about 4,000 people now, and about the same number was employed before the War. Equipment. — 5,000 of their machines were removed to Germany, but the bulk have been recovered. The factories cover a large area, there being ample space between the buildings. The shop floor covers about 34 acres. The shops are well arranged and have excellent natural lighting. It was noticed that on machine operations there was a heavy percentage of women employed, and in many cases both women and men were found to be attending individually anything from two to six machines. In one case a woman was operating six No. 3 Cincinnati milling machines. The equipment in the factory consists almost entirely of German and American machinery. Systems of Payment. — Piecework is in general operation. Foreign Trade. — A large proportion of their business is for export. They are feeling severe German competition, but in the countries to which they export they can undersell American goods. They were fuU of orders at the moment, but the outlook was very uncertain. Alfred H. Schutte Works, Cologne-Deutz. Equipment. — The shops were light and airy, excellently arranged and well paved with wood blocks, and good arrange- ments were made for movement of material. Very high cutting speeds were in operation. Working Hours 59 Hours, etc. — Before the War the hours of labour were 54 per week, and they are now 48. Systems of Payment. — Piecework applies to the majority of the workers. Efficiency of Production. — The output has been reduced in proportion to the reduction in hours. It was noticed that every man was working at his best up to the time when the whistle blew at lunch time. General Remarks. — They had very little trouble with their men, in fact they had only once had a strike, and this had only pasted three days. The orderliness of the shops was a very marked feature. It was noticed that one person was frequently operating two machines. Felton and Guilleaume Carlsvverk A.C, Cologne. Number of Employees. — The firm employs about 6,000 people, practically the same as before the War. Equipment. — ^The works are very large and practically self-contained, and their size can be indicated by the fact that their power station is 20,000 h.p. capacity. Hours, etc. — The working hours before the War were 10 hours per day for six days a week, and are now eight hours per day for six days per week. Efficiency of Production. — It was stated that the efficiency of the workers was lower than before the War, but was now improving. De Fries, Dusseldorf. Efficiency of Production. — It was stated that in the machine shops the output during the years 191 2, 191 3 and 1914 averaged 7,000 kilograms per man per annum. During the early years of the War it rose to 10,000 kilograms per man per annum, but in 1917 it commenced to fall, and in 1919 it had dropped to 5,360, and in 1920 to 5,000 ; and as far as they could ascertain they were still at that level. For the 6o Report of Joint Investigation Committee foundry the average figures for the years 1910-14 were 35 tons per man per year. During the War the same level was preserved, but in 191 8 they noticed the workpeople were becoming demoralised. Output in 1919 had fallen to 22 tons per year, and in 1920 to 21 tons per year per man. The low output in 1920, however, was apparently attributed to the fact that trade was slack with them at that time. It was noticed that men were using pneumatic rammers in the foundry, and that satisfactory results were being obtained from them. Nederlandsche Scheepsbouw Mij., Amsterdam. Equipment. — The shipyard and the shops were excellently equipped in every way, and the organisation was first class. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — Before the War they worked 55 hours a week, with Saturday afternoon free. They now work a 48-hour week with one break. There is a good deal of lost time in starting and stopping, but the Committee noticed the men appeared to be working industriously. Time-keeping is good, and the records for Tuesday, May 3rd, which were produced showed that only 15 men were late out of 1,290 at the 7 o'clock start. Systems of Payment. — Piecework is in operation to the extent of 80 per cent, of their work. Efficiency of Production. — They have experienced a reduction in output in exactly the same proportion to the reduction in hours, though the output is better than a year ago. The number of rivets per hour on a 48-hour week are the same as they were obtaining eight years ago on a 65-hour week. The average of 38 squads of riveters on general work throughout the establishment is 34 rivets per man per hour. On account of shortage of compressor plant, only half their riveting is done with pneumatic riveters. If they could get them, they would be able to employ 200 more men at the present time. General Remarks. — There is a good deal of competition from Germany, and the Germans at the present time can undercut them. Working Hours 6i " Werkspoor," Amsterdam. Number of Employees. — -They employ about 3,200 people. Equipment. — -The shops are well equipped with cranes and machine tools. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — Before the War they worked 52 hours a week, and now they work 48, with only one break. No difficulty with bad timekeeping. Systems of Payment. — Practically the whole of the men are employed on premium bonus. Debts incurred on piecework jobs were carried forward, and regular delinquents were dismissed, except in special cases, such as that of old and infirm employees. No piecework is in operation in the tool room, but high rates are paid to selected men. Efficiency of Production. — Output per man-hour is not higher than pre-War. General Remarks. — Work has been very brisk, but is now slackening off, and they are having very serious compe- tition from Germany. Werf Conrad, Haarlem, near Amsterdam. Equipment. — The shipbuilding berths were well equipped and the same applies to the shops. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — Before the War the firm worked 52 hours per week. They now work 47 hours net, but the period of attendance is actually 48, as the men are supposed to be within the gates five minutes before staiting lime. Systems of Payment. — The bulk of the men are paid on a premium bonus system. Efficiency of Production. — Better output is obtained from pneumatic riveting than from hand riveting. 'J'he following are the records of four squads of hand liveters working full 62 Report of Joint Investigation Committee time on |-inch diameter rivets : In eight and a half hours " A " squad did 208 rivets, *' B " squad 442 rivets, " C " squad 384 rivets, " D " squad 440 rivets ; roughly an average of 350 |-inch diameter rivets per day. The pneumatic squads on the same class of work averaged 450 to 500 rivets per day. More pneumatic riveters would be employed, but at the moment they were short of compressor plant. The price list for pneumatic riveting generally represented a reduction of 20 per cent, on the list for hand riveting, and the pneumatic men made more money than the hand men. General Remarks. — They are feeling German competition very keenly at the present time. All their shipbuilding berths were occupied at the time of tlie visit. The firm were very busy, and had been for some time past, but the futurfe prospects were not quite so good. New Waterway Shipbuilding Company, Schiedam. Number of Employees. — They employ about 4,600 men. Equipment.— The works are entirely modern and occupy what was in 191 6 a green field. The site is about 200 acres. There are seven berths capable of taking ships up to about 500 feet long. All are equipped in the best possible manner. Hours, Timekeeping, Overtime, etc. — The normal working v/eek is 48 hours. System of Payment. — Practically all the men are employed on some system or another of payment by results. They fixed piecework prices for their platers on each job as it came along, either at a price per square foot, per running foot, per hundredweight, or a lump sum for the job. Efficiency of Output. — They have no difficulty whatever with regard to demarcation, e.g., the floating dock being urgently required for a ship that was just coming in, the whole of the foundrymen turned out to paint the bottom of the ship in dock, in order to get her out in time, and this meant that there was no break in the continuity of work and no need for the men in other departments to.be stood off while the painters alone were finishing the job. Working Hours 63 General Remarks. — The whole of the berths were occu- pied, and the management stated they were in the happy position of being able to decline orders, and that their full output for the next two years was already booked up, both for new construction and repair work. They are getting many repair orders for British establish- ments, owing to the fact that they can guarantee definite deliveries at definite prices. They were obtaining the whole of their plates and sections delivered to the yard at the net price of ^6 2s. 6d. as compared with an average price of about -^19 per ton then prevailing in the United Kingdom. " Werf Gusto " Firma A. F. Smulders, Schiedam. The works (which were not inspected) were large. As in the case of other firms, their hours had been reduced to 48 per week. The output per man-hour had declined but was now improving. It was still below the pre- War level. They were experiencing considerable German competition. Rotterdam Dry Dock Co., Ltd. The works cover 112 acres, including seven building berths, and a very large repair department. The whole of the berths were occupied, or about to be occupied. The equipment of the berths and of the shops as a whole was excellent. Some of the shops were rather old. Tliis firm referred the Committee to the " Metaalbond " for any information as to working conditions. INTERVIEW WITH BELGIAN MINISTER OF LABOUR. Brussels, Aprij., 1921. The Committee were received by Monsieur Wauters, the Minister of Labour. The Minister stated that before the War the hours of labour varied from 10 to 12 per day for six days a week, but had 64 Report of Joint Investigation Committee now been reduced almost universally to eight hours a day for six days a week, though in some cases the English week, that is to say, no work on Saturday afternoon, had been adopted, and the hours for the other days of the week were accordingly longer than eight, in order to make up the full 48 hours per week. According to the census of 191 o, 636,333 persons were employed in 4,268 factories in all industries (but excluding factories with less than 20 workpeople). In the same factories in June, 1920, the number employed was 606,060, or 95 per cent, of the total employed in 1910. In the metal industries, the number employed in 1910 was 123,404, and this had increased by 4 per cent, to 128,895 in June, 1920. Tlie Minister handed to the deputation a copy of the agree- ment drawn up by the National Committee of the engineering and shipbuilding industries, in accordance with which the minimum wages for a man over 21 had been fixed at Fr. 2 per hour from July ist, 1920. In the case of women between 18 and 21 the rate had been fixed at a minimum of Fr. i per hour, and for women over 21 who had served a three years' apprenticeship, or had been engaged for such a period in a works in the same industry, the minimum had been fixed at Fr. 1.25 per hour. The Minister stated that the average earnings per day for the men varied from Fr. 16-20. It was stated that for Sunday work double time was paid. For overtime the first two hours per day, rates of 25 to 50 per cent, above the ordinary rates were paid, and for hours in excess of two hours, varying from 50 to 100 per cent, in excess of normal rates. He stated that it was not the custom to pay for holidays. Employees of tramways received 52 days' holiday in the year, and were paid at full rates for 26 of these days, but in the other public utility services, such as electric light works, gas works and waterworks, they receive 26 days' holiday a year without pay. In reply to the question as to whether there had been an increase or a decrease in output per hour, the Minister stated that the position varied very much from factory to factory, and he mentioned cases of increases of 6 and ii per cent, per Working Hours 65 hour ; a decrease of 20 per cent., and in one particular case it was reported that the increase of output per hour was between 50 and 60 per cent., but it was understood that in this case it was due to change to mass production methods. In the case of riveting w^ork, information was given from one shop showing that before the War the number of rivets per day of ii hours was 450, whereas at the present time in the eight-hour day, the number had been reduced to 250. In another case, before the War 1,800 rivets had been done in a 12-hour day, and now only 1,000 rivets were being done in an eight-hour day. He stated that minimum time rates were in operation, but in a large number of cases some system of payment by results was applied, whereby the workpeople earned amounts sub- stantially in excess of the minimum time rate. The Minister stated that the evidence in his possession showed a greater decrease in output in the case of the time workers than in the case of piece workers, but in all cases there had been a diminution all round in output per hour. Generally speaking, he expressed the opinion that time workers were producing 20 per cent, less than the piece workers. With regard to trade prospects, he stated that on account of the low value of the mark it was very difficult for the Belgians to compete with Germany. The Minister stated that the coal output as a whole had now reached pre-War level, and that the average price of coal at pit-head was Fr. 95 per 1,000 kilos. With regard to the state of trade, he said that manufacturers were finding it difficult to obtain orders, and that there were 140,000 people out of work, and of those insured against unemployment, no less than 17 per cent, were unemployed at the moment. The principal unemployment was amongst the diamond workers, of whom two-thirds were unemployed, and there was very grave unemployment amongst leather and textile workers, but there was very little unemployment amongst coal miners, engineers and steel zvorhers. He stated that there were not many women engaged in engi- neering works, and it appears from the document supplied that in June, 191 3, only 4*2 per cent, of the people engaged in the metal industries were women, and in June, 1920, 5-8 per cent. 66 Report of Joint Investigation Committee He said there was evidence that the trade crisis had reached the turn, and there were hopes of better trade. Men on nightshift were paid at the same hourly rates as day- shift men, and worked the same hours per week. In the case of public utility services it was the practice for the employees to work eight hours a day for seven days a week, and to be paid the same hourly rates as people working 48 hours a week. The Minister slated that the Bill legalising the eight-hour day had not yet passed Parliament. The Minister stated that though he had no detailed informa- tion on the subject, he was of the opinion that the horse-power per employee was greater now than before the War. He stated that while the workpeople individually were generally in favour of piecework, there was opposition to systems of payment by results on the part of the trade unions. The Minister of Labour stated that the Unemployment Insurance Scheme had been introduced. Unfortunately, its introduction was followed almost forthwith by such a serious decline in trade that the funds available were insufficient, and accordingly, as a temporary measure, a special State grant had been made to supplement the fund. The fund is not contributed to by the employer, though it is contributed to by the workpeople, the municipalities and the regional govern- ments. The benefits are at the following rates : — Single men . . . Fr. 5 per day Married men . . . Fr, 6.50 per day with Fr. I extra for each child, but workmen have to pay their contributions to the unemployment fund while they are unemployed. The limit to the amount of unemployment pay is two-thirds of the normal wages. The Minister reported that national councils, similar in character to the Whitley Councils, had been set up to deal with all matters affecting rates of pay, hours of labour, working conditions, etc., in every industry, but that there was no compulsory arbitration, and no official arbitration tribunal. The chairmen and secretaries of these national councils are officials of the Ministry of Labour. Working Hours (^1 INTERVIEW WITH DUTCH PERMANENT UNDER-SECRETARY FOR LABOUR. The Hague, May, 192 i. Tn the unavoidable absence of Dr. Aalberse, the Minister of Labour, the Committee were received by the Permanent Under-Secretary of the Department. In reply to questions the following information was elicited : — That a Bill was passed in 191 1 restricting the hours of women and young children, but the hours of men before the War averaged about 58 per week. In 20 per cent, of the works the English Saturday was in operation. As a rule, the working day was divided up as follows : — 7 a.m. to 12 noon, with a dinner hour of usually one and a half to one and three-quarter hours, followed by another five hours of work, the day thus finishing at half past six or quarter to seven, with an earlier stop at four or five on Saturday, except in those establishments where the English Saturday was in operation. In 1919, the new Labour Law was passed which established a 45-hour week, but the application of this Law to the principal export industries, such as shipbuilding, machine making, etc., has been suspended for two years \vith a possible extension of a further two years, and, at the moment, the 48-hours week is being worked in those industries. Under an Order in Council, permission can be given by the Minister of Labour at any time to raise the hours to 55, and permission is also given to seasonal industries to \vork longer hours during the period of pressure. On the sanction of the District Inspector, overtime may be worked for a period of one week, so as to raise the total hours to 62 in the case of men, and 55 in the case of women and young persons, and, on the authority of the Minister of Labour, such overtime can be worked indefinitely. No women may be emplo\ ed where the work is being done on the three-shift principle. The Labour Law provides that in cases where Sunday work is essential four shifts must be adopted jn the casr of continuous 68 Report of Joint Investigation Committee work unless the Minister of Labour grants exemption from the four shifts. The four-shift scheme is not yet in operation. No one may go to work in the factory before the age of 14, and no one may be employed on a nightshift, and no one under 16 is allowed to work overtime. Cost of Living. — Statistics are not collected in regard to the whole country with regard to cost of living, but in Amster- dam, taking the index as being equal to lOO in 1911, the index number according to the municipal authorities was 213 for March. It was pointed out that Amsterdam probably shows the highest increase of any other part of the country, and that the cost of living is particularly low in the districts where textile trade is carried on, and that in these districts the people live in the country in garden villages. Output. — It was difficult to say what the position was with regard to output as it was noticed the output per hour was falling before the introduction of the 48-hour week. It was reported that dock labourers were not doing as much work per hour now as they had done previous to the reduction in hours. When the hours in textile works were reduced from ii to 10, the result was an increase in output per hour, but the further reduction from 10 to eight had not had the same result. Payment by Results. — The Under-Secretary stated that payment by results was the general practice with guaranteed minima ho\irs in certain instances. In particular, it was men- tioned that practically all work in the building trades is done on piecework. Unemployment. — It was stated that employment was bad, and that 10 per cent, of the insured workers were un- employed in March. Trade was particularly bad in the diamond industry, cigar and paper manufactures and peat digging. There is no general system of unemployment insurance, but grants are made by the State to those trade unions which provide unemployment pay, and if the unem- ployment funds become exhausted, due to abnormally long depression, the State is prepared to make additional grants. All wages arrangements are made directly between the employers' organisations and the trade unions, and there is no system of government arbitration and conciliation, but there Working Hours 69 is a Bill on this subject before the Dutch Parliament at the present time. The Under-Secretary stated that the trade unions were very largely political, and though important industrially so far as general agreements were concerned, yet they did not exercise the same degree of power in the workshops through shop stewards as is the case in England. In some large factories works committees are in operation, but up tiU now the works committees have not exercised much influence. Welfare work is carried on to a considerable extent in some firms and particular attention is devoted to housing and to schools. There are many cases where welfare superinten- dents are employed, especially at Delft, where welfare has been highly developed for many years. The development of the sports side of welfare work is now beginning in Holland. Education. — Compulsory education at present finished at 1 3, but the age limit is to be raised to 14. There is an extensive organisation of graded technical schools, and the system of instruction in the technical schools is both theoretical and practical. There is no apprenticeship system in operation in Holland. In conclusion, the Under-Secretary stated, that despite the serious unemployment, there was in many industries a serious shortage of skilled labour, and this was attributed to the fact that the Dutch army was mobilised throughout the War, and the bulk of the young men concerned thus lost the industrial training which otherwise the)' would have received. SECTION V. VISITS TO WORKS IN AUGUST, 1921. List of Firms visited and their Products. Asa Lees & Co., Ltd., Oldham. Manufacturers of spinning machinery for textile trades. Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd., Birmingham. Manufacturers of bicycles, motor cycles, military small arms, sporting guns and rifles, small tools and machine tools. The Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Co., Ltd., Smethwick. Manufacturers of railway passenger coaches and goods wagons of all types, i.e., from Pullman cars to coal trucks. British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., Rugby. Manufacturers on a large scale of practically all types of electrical machinery and apparatus, and of steam turbines. The Rugby works in particular are laid out for the manufacture of large steam turbines, alternating current generators, alternating and direct current motors of all sizes, rotary convertors, control gear and other electrical equipment. Daimler Co., Ltd., Coventry. Manufactures consist exclusively of motor vehicles. Ferranti, Ltd., Hollinwood. Manufacturers of electrical meters, electrical instruments and electrical transformers of all sizes. Galloways, Ltd., Manchester. Boilermakers, etc. General Electric Co., Ltd., Birmingham, Manufacturers of eyery kind of electrical machinery of all sizes. Working Hours 71 HuLSE & Co., Ltd., Manchester. Manufacturers of heavy and special machine tools of all types. Mather & Platt, Ltd., Manchester. Manufacturers of electrical machinery, automatic sprinklers for fire extinguishing, and textile machinery for various kinds of dyeing machinery. Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Co., Ltd., Mancliester. Manufacturers of practically every kind of electrical machinery and apparatus, together with steam turbines, gas engines, Diesel engines and turbine blowers. Smith & Coventry, Ltd., Manchester. Manufacturers of high-class machine tools of moderate size, including a particularly well-known range of milling machines and gear cutters, and to a lesser extent broaching and slot- milling machines. Coventry Association of Engineering and National Employers' Federations. Interview. Equipment and Organisation. Firm No. 22. — Firm was established 75 years ago on the present site, though practically none of the original buildings now remain. The shops are somewhat old, but despite this, the lighting was exceptionally good. The equipment of the shops consists mainly of substantial machines of the firm's own manufacture, and most of them are old. The crane equipment was eminently well suited for the pur- pose, and electric trucks were provided for the conveyance of small parts. The quality of the firm's work is high, and they have a world-wide reputation. Firm No. 23. — Tiic factories arc old and space somewhat cramped ; nevertheless the lay-out is good. The plant is good, and the arrangements for progressing work and handling machines and parts, particularly in the fitters' shop, were very good indeed. Owing to bad trade no work was going 72 Report of Joint Investigation Committee through at the time of the visit, so it was not possible to judge the efficiency of operations. Firm No. 24. — Firm was originally established about 140 years ago. The works are very extensive, and, though only the foundry is modern, are splendidly arranged and equipped, and the organisation is of a very high order. The work is essentially repetition work ; most of the opera- tions are specialised and carried out on single purpose machines. The foundry was one of the largest, if not the largest, for the production of light castings ever seen by any member of the Committee, and the equipment and organisation were of a very high order. The lighting was exceptionally good. Firm No. 25. — The works are exceedingly well laid out, organised and provided with plant ideally suited for every operation that is performed. Firm No. 26. — The factory was highly organised and well equipped throughout. The amount of space in every depart- ment was high in relation to the number of workpeople and plant installed. Firm No. 27. — The shops are on a very large scale, very well laid out and equipped in every way, transport arrange- ments being very highly developed. The foundry is excep- tionally large and engaged in very heavy work as well as light work. Firm No. 28. — Most of the plant has been made by the firm itself, aU of it being substantial ; though much is old, yet a good deal was constructed in the last year or so which is eminently suited for the work and specially designed by the firm for their work. Crane equipment and transport arrange- ments are admirable. Firm No. 29. — Buildings of the most modern type, splen- didly lit, well ventilated, very clean, exceptionally well laid out, well organised and with most up-to-date equipment. Firm No. 30. — Works well built and well equipped with modern machinery adapted to the firm's productions. Shops well lighted, very roomy and with ample space between all michiass. Working Hours 73 Firm No. 31.— The buildings are of quite recent type and large extensions are still being made ; they are well laid out and lit, equipped with up-to-date machinery and transport appliances of all kinds. Firm No. 32. — The firm was established about 60 years ago, and some of the shops are old, although a number of new shops were built during the War. Some of the older shops are now being reconstructed. Plant efficient, but some of it rather old. Much new plant was in evidence. Shops well equipped with cranes and other handling appli- ances. Some of the shops are very large, including one 750 feet long by 156 feet wide. Firm No. 33. — Buildings substantial, airy, well lit and in every way well adapted to their requirements. Machinery modern and of high class, much of it specially made to suit their particular work. The iron froundry, which is represen- tative of the best type for general castings, includes amongst other equipment a very large moulding machine. Timekeeping and Overtime. Firm No. 22. — The management reported that the start in the morning is satisfactory, but there is a fair amount of time lost at stopping time. It was stated that sectional overtime was necessary, because sometimes abnormal efforts were required in certain depart- ments in order to ensure prompt delivery, this latter being a condition of their ability to obtain orders. Firm No. 23. — These works were not running at the time of the visit on account of slack trade, but it was stated that timekeeping under the 47-hour week had been less satisfac- tory than under the 53-hour week. Firm No. 24. — It was stated they were finding difficulty in keeping in balance, owing to the drastic and rigid embargo on overtime. They only \vantcd to work overtime for the purpose of maintaining balance of output and ensuring deliveries, and the embargo caused difficult\" in meeting deliveries, and had also restricted the amount of employment in other departments, when a particular department which was 74 Report of Joint Investigation Committee behind and was not allowed to get into step. They strongly objected to the embargo at a time when the unions were unable to provide tlic additional men in the departments which were behindliand. Firm No. 25. -It was stated they had considerable diffi- culty in the past with regard to the embargo on overtime, but this embargo had practically died out. The firm are opposed to systematic overtime, but overtime was essential in specific cases to balance production and to ensure dates of delivery. A particular case was mentioned where overtime had been refused, though it was essential in order to discover whether certain instruments already packed for shipment were suffering from certain defects discovered in a number of instruments not packed. The whole consignment was due to be shipped on the following Monday, and the men refused to work over the week-end on the necessary inspection. Fortunately, however, the staff and the foremen carried out the work and thus avoided the probability of loss of future business, which would have ensued if shipment had not taken place to time. Members. of labourers' and semi-skilled unions do not raise difficulties about necessary overtime. Firm No. 26. — Timekeeping as a whole was exceedingly good, and lost time was negligible, except amongst labourers in the foundry. The firm were of the opinion that systematic overtime is undesirable but, on the other hand, a certain amount was necessary in order to balance production. They thought as a general rule the difficulties consequent upon the shorter working week should be overcome, not' by overtime so much as by nightshift or double dayshift. It was stated on occa- sions their workpeople have worked overtime even though they have been instructed not to do so by the minor trade union officials. Firm No. 27. — Men are permitted to clock in up to 9 a.m., and the nightshift had no restrictions as to starting time at all. Men clock on in the departments in which they actually work. From the power diagrams it appeared that a full load was not reached until 45 minutes after starting time in the morning, and 10 minutes after starting time in the afternoon, while load Working Hours 75 starts to go off 15 minutes before stopping time in the morning, and 20 minutes before stopping time in the afternoon. In the case of nightshift the full load was not reached until two hours after starting time. Generally speaking, the firm were not satisfied with the way in which the men started and stopped work. Overtime was necessary from time to time for the purpose of balancing production, and in particular when the completion of any part was delayed owing to a failure of material, e.g., bad castings. The firm are against systematic overtime, but thought they ought to be free to arrange it at their own discretion, but failing that, they would very much prefer that the works committee should have full authority to deal with the matter without reference to outside authorities. The management stated that the rigidity of the embargo had led to unemployment' in some departments. The total amount of overtime averaged 2 per cent, of the total time worked. The amount of time lost due to absenteeism, sickness, etc., amounted to 6-78 per cent. In connection with this firm it should be mentioned that the chairman and the secretary of the works committee were present during all the discussions. Firm No. 28. — No embargo on overtime. The manage- ment stated the workmen individually were quite all right, but collectively it was impossible to get them to agree to make changes that would lead to better production. Firm No. 29. — Timekeeping had improved since the introduction of the 47-hour week, due probably to more discipline in the matter. Furthermore, timekeeping showed a •marked improvement since trade had become slack. The men clock on in the departments in whicli they work. The management is opposed to systematic overtime, but a certain amount was necessary for the purpose of maintaining the balance of output. In most of iheir tlepartnicnts the three-shift system would be suitable. Firm No. 30. — A good deal of time used to be lost when they were on the 53-hour week, but very little was now lost owing largely to the substitution of the one-break system for the two-break system when the hours were reduced to 47. "](> Report of Joint Investigation Committee During the War bad habits in the matter of starting and stopping were acquired, and the position to-day was worse than it used to be before the War. The management stated that they had not been permitted to work a single hour's overtime since the Armistice. This had seriously interfered with experimental development work, and as a result had had an adverse effect on employment generally. They are opposed to systematic overtime. They find that output falls off after overtime has been in operation one or two weeks. The men, generally speaking, liked occasional overtime, and that if they were able to work emergency overtime when necessary, it would help trade and provide additional employment. Firm No. 31. — Timekeeping had been worse on the 47 hours than on the 53. They had the one-break system both on the 47- and the 5 3-hour' week. As a whole timekeeping is good in their works and in the district generally. At one time 10 per cent, of the men used to stay away on Saturdays, but as a result of a hint being given that it was thought of intro- ducing Saturday pay in place of Friday pay on this account, this percentage dropped to about i| per cent. There is an embargo on overtime so far as members of the A.E.U. and the National Union of Foundry Workers are concerned, but they have not experienced any difficulty in the matter with respect to the E.T.U. It was stated that systematic overtime was very undesirable, but, on the other hand, occasional overtime was essential in order to preserve balance of production. A year before, when trade was very active, and it was impossible to obtain sufficient winders, the winders worked overtime, and in consequence of this greater employment was •provided in other departments of the works than would have been possible otherwise. It was stated that the moulders' strike had caused greater injury to the industry than any other strike which had ever occurred, and as a result of the refusal to work overtime after the strike was over they had lost a great number of orders which otherwise would have come into the works, and the present unemployment in the engineering industry would have been largely avoided, or, in any event, postponed for Working Hours 77 several months. Had the winders adopted the same policy in the matter of overtime at least 500 more men would be out of work now than was actually the case in their factory. A case was cited where, as a result of about 12 men in the machine shop refusing to work overtime, a number of the winders were temporarily unemployed and delivery of a machine was delayed by two months. This in turn held up work, and was the cause of unemployment in a cotton mill, in a steel works and in other works, all of which were dependent on a corporation electric supply company. This particular case happened just after the moulders' strike, when every department was waiting for supplies, and was the cause of, in their estimation, some 700 men being temporarily unemployed in their own and in other works which were affected. Firm No. 32. — Timekeeping is not satisfactory in the morning, and a bad start is made unless supervision is good. The embargo on overtime has gravely hindered production, e.g., painters refuse to finish off a job on a frame which might only occupy half an hour, and in consequence other men are unable to go on with the work on that frame the following day because the paint is wet. Firm No. 33. — With regard to overtime, there was no restriction except in the case of the iron foundry. In tliis latter case it was a serious handicap, as men would not work overtime when pouring, and as a result they were compelled to stop blowing early, so as to finish pouring and feeding before the leaving off. It was estimated they lost fully one Jialf hour per day per man, and loss on output was 10 per cent. Systems of Payment. Firm No. 22. — Payment by results was largely in operation, and to a greater extent than in 191 3. They had found that individual piecework was very much better than any form of gang piecework. When trade was good the piecework bonus was in the neighbourhood of 33^ per cent., but now that trade was slack the men were not earning such a high bonus. Pay- ment by results applies almost exclusively to machine operators and fitters, and only to a small extent to assistants. 78 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Firm No. 24. — In the foundry all plate moulders work on payment by results, but some of the hand moulders work on time. Firm No. 25.— Individual piecework is in operation in the instrument and foundry departments, but in another depart- ment day work is in operation. A few skilled moulders who are on jobbing work are paid on a composite bonus scheme instead of individual piecework, because the particular moulders concerned objected to individual piecework. Tool- room and maintenance men for the instrument department are paid a bonus which is equal to the average bonus earned by the whole of that department. In the pattern shop a composite bonus scheme is in operation. The management prefer individual piecework in aU cases where it could be applied, as against any system of collective bonus. Firm No. 26. — Payment by results in the form of straight piecework applies to 65 per cent, of the total number of manual workers, and to 90 per cent, of the skilled men. Piecework prices are calculated on the assumption that the average man is able to earn 33^ per cent, bonus on basic time. The firm make the assumption that a man who just realises this bonus should be regarded as 75 per cent, efficient. On this basis the efficiency of the whole works in 1920 was 70-9, and 1921 up to date (August nth) 73-3, and for the most recent week 74. They calculated that last year the employees on the average lost ^16 per head by failing to realise 33^ per cent, bonus. The average bonus for 1920 was 26 per cent., and the average bonus for 1921 was 30*4 per cent. In order to encourage high production, the firm double all bonuses earned in excess of 33^ per cent., this extra bonus being described as a super-bonus. The management stated it was their practice to reprimand men who failed to make 33-| per cent, bonus, and in the case of two men who had persistently maintained a lower average they had taken the step of dismissing them. They were of opinion that these dismissals had a very stimulating effect on the remainder. The particular men who had been dismissed had proved their capacity to work up to a high rate by their efficiency during the weeks immediately preceding holidays. Working Hours 79 Firm No. 27. — The number of men engaged on piecework was constantly increasing, and has now reached 68 per cent, of the total productive labour. Average piecework earnings exceeded time rates by 50 per cent, in 1920, and up to date in 1 92 1 by 58 per cent. Prices are calculated on the assump- tion that a man should be able to earn time and a third. A central rate-fixing department was rapidly securing the confidence of the men. Firm No. 28. — In fixing new piecework rates a system of estimating amongst the men is in operation. The manage- ment took strong objection to this system on the grounds that the system as applied by the men established the highest estimate as the price of the job, with the result that the cost of production was too high. When the shop was a non-union one there was no piecework, but the amount of work was greater, and on some operations double, per man to what is done by union men on piecework to-day, and this statement applied in particular to the class of work which can be done by semi-skilled specialised labour. One distinct case where better production had been secured, namely, in the case of outside erection of certain engines, was mentioned. They had found it impossible to get these engines erected in less than six months, but the offer of a lump sum bonus to the erecting team providing erection was completed in three months, with a proportionate deduction if that time was exceeded, and an additional bonus if erection was completed in less than that time, led to a com- plete change, and erection was now always completed in less than three months. Generally speaking, the more rapid the period of erection the less effort it required, because it resulted from the application of more forethought in handling their work. Firm No. 29. — Ninety per cent, of the employees are on piecework. Firm No. 30. — Premium bonus system is in operation. Firm No. 31. — Practically all productive employees are paid by results. Notable exceptions are patternmakers, maintenance men, crane men and labourers. Firm No. 32. — Payment by results is in operation in every possible case. Millwrights are paid on a bonus system. 8o Report of Joint Investigation Committee Efficiency of Production. Firm No. 22. — The management stated that as a result of the reduction of hours output had declined, as it was not possible materially to increase the men's hourly efficiency, because the machines were working approximately at their limit of output. The hourly record showed that about 5 to lo per cent, more time is required for a given job than in 191 3. Firm No. 23. — The management stated that the time- keeping under the 47-hour week was less satisfactory than under the 53-hour week. The men are apparently satisfied to earn a certain weekly sum of money, and with the altered time rates vmder the 47-hour week they found themselves able to lose more time than before, while still maintaining the same weekly income. Some of the times for doing jobs were very much longer than they used to be before the War. In one particular case it was stated they took 80 hours to do a job which used to be done in 20, and this despite the fact that it was a piecework job. Firm No. 24. — The management stated that the hours per week now were 20 per cent, less than in 1907-8-9 (when six hours overtime was being worked), and the number of employees was 13 per cent, less than then, so that, equal output being assumed per man-hour, a total decline of about 30 per cent, might have been expected, i.e., on the average during the first nine months of 1920 there should have been an output of 151 machines per month, whereas they only realised 97 machines per month. During the nine months ended June 30th, 1921, with about 4 per cent, more men than in the previous nine months, they had averaged 120 machines per month. This figure showed that the output per man-hour was 35 per cent, below 1907-8-9 during the nine months ended September 30th, 1920, and 24 per cent, per man-hour less during the nine months ended June 30th, 1921. In presenting these figures it was pointed out that the types of machines which were being produced had not materially altered, and any changes which had to be made were in the direction of a reduced number of operations rather than the reverse. Working Hours Firm No. 25. — The management stated that changes in their work made it impossible to give any satisfactory figures measuring output per man-hour now as compared with pre- War days. In the meter department, where piecework is universal, the output obtained in 47 hours was equal to that previously obtained in 52^ hours, while a great deal of the work involved in the manufacture of meters is machine work. The time occupied in arranging the work is longer than that occupied in the actual machining processes, which, as a rule, take only a few seconds per operation. Firm No. 26. — The management stated that prior to the introduction of the 47-hour week they had worked 48 hours, and had obtained in the 48 hours the same volume of output as otlier firms secured in 53, the one-break system being largely responsible for the result. They stated that the success of the one-break system was dependent upon the employees having a good breakfast before they start. In the past they were able to get, on the average, a better type of workman than other firms on account of their shorter hours. With the introduction of the 47-hour week it was noticed that numbers of men were coming to the works without having had breakfast, and this had had an adverse effect on output. The change in hours from 48 to 47 had not made any material difference to their output. Firm No. 27. — The management stated that the output in tons per 1,000 man-hours for a number of selected years was as follows : — 1912 .... 1,445 1913 .... 1,430 1914 .... 1,441 Average for the three years, 1,439. i9'9 .... 1,357 1920 .... 1,358 It will be seen, therefore, that the average figures for 191 9 and 1920 were 94*3 per cent, of those for the years 191 2 and 1914 inclusive. The manager stated that they were endeavouring, by 82 Report of Joint Investigation Committee improved plant and organisation, to minimise the loss of output due to the reduction of hours. Firm No. 28. — The management gave some figures of the man-hours required for the construction of certain apparatus on different dates. Apparatus " A " was con- structed during the period April to June, 1914, in 1,319 hours, and an identical article between August, 1918, and January, 1919, took 2,230 hours. Apparatus " B," between February to May, 1914, took 1,253 hours, and an identical article between May, 191 8, and February, 1919, took 1,458 hours. Apparatus " C," between April to October, 1914, took 1,483 hours, and an identical article between March, 1918, and March, 1919, took 2,004 hours. For certain selected operations the following are the figures for identically equal amounts of work in all three cases : Between November, 1913, and February, 1914, 481 hours; between January, 1920, and March, 1920, 712 hours ; between February, 1920, and April, 1920, 654 hours. In another case the following comparative figures were given for certain selected operations : February to May, 1914, 498 hours ; August, 1919, to February, 1920, 726 hours ; December, 1919, to February, 1920, 671 hours. They had made a careful calculation as to the increase in the labour cost of production to-day as compared with 1914, and after making allowance for all increases in wages, the cost of production had increased by about 30 per cent, over and above the increases due to the increases of wage rates, and this 30 per cent, is a figure which can only represent decreased effort. One very important case of restriction of output was mentioned. They had sought to introduce as a new industry the manufacture of a new machine of a German design, and arranged with the German inventor for a licence. They found that the labour hours at their works were five times as great as those on identical work at the works at Mulheim in Germany, and when it was sought to induce the men to adopt the methods of Germany they refused, so it was decided to send the foreman of the department to visit the German works. On his return he explained to the men the methods in operation in Germany, but his statements were derided, and in consequence of the Working Hours 83 refusal to adopt the German methods, it has been impossible, on account of the high cost of production, to obtain any appreciable volume of orders. The result of the restriction of output in this case has been to add seriously to the volume of unemployment. Firm No. 29. — The management stated that output had been reduced in proportion to the reduction in hours in prac- tically every case. Output information related to the period before trade became slack, and when there was no immediate fear of unemployment. Firm No. 30. — The management stated that in a well- equipped and supervised factory, such as theirs was, it was impossible materially to increase the output per hour, and therefore the reduction in hours must of necessity result in a proportionate reduction in output. However, in certain directions, their equipment was better now than before the War, so he could not say that on machine operations their output had in fact decreased in proportion to the reduction in hours. On hand operations, the men could increase their hourly efficiency, but they had not done so as a matter of fact. Tlie coach builders and also other men engaged on hand work, such as tool room men and skilled time workers, were not doing more per hour in the 47-hour week. The output of automatic and semi-automatic machines on repetition work depended upon the speed of the belt, and was therefore not materially affected by the system of payment, and must be reduced in proportion to the reduction in hours of labour. In a discussion which took place in regard to restriction of output by piece workers, it was stated that the men were producing more per hour when on short time — that is, a 30-hour week— than when on full time. Their chart showed that when their hours were reduced on account of bad trade, the bonus paid under the premium bonus system showed a certain increase. Firm No. 31. — The management stated that the output per man liad decreased at least in proportion to the hours of labour, and they were inclined to tliink iliat the reduction in 84 Report of Joint Investigation Committee output was slightly greater than the reduction in hours. This latter was attributed to the fact that the loss of time in start- ing and stopping was as great now as previously, and therefore represented a higher percentage in relation to the shorter working week. The firm had always worked the one-break system. The conditions with regard to the loss of time in starting and stopping were better immediately after the reduction of hours, but this favourable state of affairs did not continue for long. The power curves which were produced showed that 30 minutes elapsed before a full load is obtained after starting, and the power starts to go off 20 to 30 minutes before stopping time. The piece workers were earning the same percentage bonus over standard time rates as they used to do when the longer week was worked, showing that they were giving the same output per hour, and therefore a reduced output per week. It was stated that this reduction in output had a very serious effect on the cost of production on account of the increase of overhead expenses. In their case overhead expenses are approximately equal to 150 per cent, of their productive wages. The reduction in output in consequence of the reduction in hours had been about 15 per cent. There- fore, as a result of this increase in overhead charges the increase in the whole cost of production had been no less than 8 per cent. This is over and above the increase due to increased wages and costs of material. Firm No. 32. — The management stated that output per man-hour was lower than in 191 3, so that the output per week had declined more than the reduction in hours of labour. The introduction of the 47-hour week, with the consequent change from the two-break system to the one-break system, caused a good deal of loss of time in the morning owing to men coming to work without having breakfasted, and consequently spending time during the morning eating. Firm No. 33. — The management stated that it was not easy to give a yes or no answer to the question of the effect of the change in hours of labour on output. They thought that the old hands, that is to say their pre-War employees, who have Working Hours 85 been with them continuously were doing as well or even better per hour than under the 52-hour week. With regard to the men who had left in the early stages of the War and had come back, they would say their output per man-hour was less, but with regard to the men who had left in the later stages and had almost invariably gone into technical corps, he would say they had come back as efficient as ever and possibly keener. New labour was not as efficient as similar labour in pre-War days. The above are the personal impressions of the manager. He stated that many of his foremen believed that labour efficiency was equal to pre-War, but the estimating depart- ment assured him that after correcting for all increases in wages, labour costs had gone up in the case of every article by amounts ranging from 2 per cent, to 25 per cent., and this, of course, clearly indicated a loss in hourly efficiency. He stated that entirely new labour which represented their most inefficient class was poor, probably due to lack of training during the War period, and possibly due to an inferior grade of labour entering the engineering industry. Foreign Trade and Foreign Competition. Firm No. 22. — Normally, anything between 65 per cent. and 76 per cent, of their trade is export. It has recently been difficult to get a share of the present restricted foreign orders owing to German competition, who quote for machines at half the price at which the firm can make them. They mention, however, that the Germans do not cut to the full extent possible, but only to about 20 per cent., as they appear to have discovered that a 20 per cent, cut secures the business. The United States is a serious competitor normally, particu- larly in South America, but the United States is at a disadvantage at the moment on account of the rate of exchange. Firm No. 23. — Halt tlic work in normal times is for export. American competition is keen now as it always has been, and German competition on account of the rates of exchange is unusually keen. In the case of one of their specialities, ihc lowest price they 86 Rkport of Joint Investigation Committee could quote v/as ^^450, and the Germans are offering competitive machines for ;^i5o. The American competition affects them at home as well as overseas, German competition affects them mainly abroad. Firm No. 24. — At one time they had succeeded in exporting large quantities of their machinery to the United States, but in recent years these exports have steadily declined, and they are now finding America a keen competitor in overseas markets. Before the War practically all the machinery of the kind they produce to be found in China was supplied by British firms, but since the Armistice the United States have been obtaining at least half the business in China. Inability to promise prompt delivery had lost them many foreign orders, and they had also lost orders for inability to compete on price, and they were afraid that they were losing some foreign markets permanently owing particularly to American competition. Firm No. 25. — Normally 75 per cent, of the output of one of their departments is exported, and 50 per cent, of the output of the other department. The raising of foreign tariffs recently has been a very serious matter. It was mentioned, for example, that in the case of one product, the Italian tariff had been raised from 8d. to about 7s. 6d., the f.o.b. price of the article being 30s. Part of their difficulties with foreign trade was due to the fact that certain European countries had over-bought some months previously from Germany when that country was offering large quantities of competitive goods at absurdly low prices for immediate delivery and extended terms of payment. The exchange situation was seriously affecting business in Eastern Europe, while American competition is particularly serious in South America and in British Dominions and colonies. Firm No. 26. — 60 per cent, to 75 per cent, of their trade is usually for export, but at the moment the proportion is rather liigher. India is their best market at the present time, due to industrial developments taking place in that country. They did not find foreign competition as a whole more acute Working Hours 87 than it was before the War, though at the moment the available volume of foreign business was reduced, but nevertheless they felt they were getting a fair share of it. Firm No. 27. — In 1920 one-third of their orders were for export, and in 1921 up to date about one-half, but in order to maintain the works fully employed, they need foreign orders equal to 75 per cent, of their capacity. At the moment they found foreign competition at home and abroad exceedingly fierce, both in respect to price and delivery, and German firms were quoting 40 per cent, below their prices. In British Dominions prejudice against the Germans was still helping them to obtain orders. At the moment, in order to secure foreign business they were quoting without profit, and in come cases at a slight loss, because they thought it better to do so, as in that way their losses would in fact be less than if they were idle. There was also severe competition from American and Swiss firms, although in this case the condition of the exchanges was a help. Firm No. 28. — Volume of overseas orders limited at present, and they are getting a very small share of what is available. It was stated that since the Armistice, Messrs. Sulzer (Switzerland) have sent into the United Kingdom no less than 15 heavy steam engines, whereas the whole of the 30 British engine builders had not received orders between them for as many engines of this type. During the last three months they had only received orders for their products at one-twenty-fifth of the rate necessary to keep the shops busy. Firm No. 29. — Require foreign orders equal to about two- thirds of their output to keep factory busy. Foreign orders very difficult to find at the moment, and exchange difficulties generally, particularly with Australia and India, make the situation more difiicult. Furthermore, Indian trade has been hampered by Mr. Gliandi's bo)cott. At home one of their special products which before the War sold for is. 9d., and which now they have to sell at 3s. 4d., has been copied in Germany and is being offered in this country at prices \ar)ing frum is. }d. to is. 6d. 88 Report of Joint Investigation Committee Firm No. 30. — Before the War their export business was just under 20 per cent., but at present they are unable to get any export business at all. A change in the American tariff had killed the small though valuable business in the export of one of their specialities. Firm No. 31. — Foreign competition is acute at the moment, both in the matter of price and delivery dates, and they had recently lost an order for an Indian colliery because American and Belgian firms could offer better delivery, the American firm securing the order. Overtime in certain departments for six or eight weeks would have enabled them to reduce the delivery date by two months, and if this had been the case they could have obtained the order. Firm No. 32. — Belgian and German firms were offering to supply goods similar to theirs at approximately half the price at which they could make them. The India Office had recently placed an order with a German firm for one of these articles at ^17 5s., which compared with their quotation of ^35. In ordinary times, 80 per cent, to 100 per cent, of their output is for export, but at the moment their export orders are only equal to 20 per cent., due to (i) the export market being very slack at the moment ; and (2) Germany and other countries securing the bulk of the available orders. But for a temporary abnormal home demand, they would have been even slacker than they are. Firm No. 33. — Their foreign business represents 15 per cent, to 52 per cent, of their full output. The chief foreign competing country is Switzerland, and, to a lesser extent, Sweden, both of which are at an advantage now through using cheap German raw materials. State of Trade. Coventry Association of Engineering and National Employers' Federation. — Colonel Cole, in welcoming the Committee, stated that in the case of his firm they required to obtain overseas orders equal to one-third of their output. At the present time their costs of production are so high that they are finding it practically impossible to sell. As a whole Working Hours 89 the trade locally was greatly depressed, and most of the members of the local association were pessimistic as to future prospects. Firm No. 22. — Very little work was being done at the time of the Committee's visit, the firm finding great difficulty in securing orders. The average number of men at work was about 40 per cent, of the full complement, and much of the work in hand was reconditioning their own machinery. Firm No. 23. — Owing to lack of orders no work is going through these shops at the present time. Firm No. 25. — This firm's present output in one section is only slightly over one-half its capacity, due to scarcity of orders. In regard to the other section, they were working half time only, and the prospects for the future were very bad indeed. Firm No. 28. — Work at this firm was very slack, there being only 370 men employed as compared with 1,000, their normal complement. During the seven and a half months of this year they had received less than one-sixth of the business they required to keep their works fully employed, and had it not been for certain arrears of work they would be shut down entirely. Firm No. 29. — The Committee spent a couple of hours in a tour over part of the works and found that owing to slackness of trade some departments were not working at all, and in those departments which were working they were very much undermanned. Out of a total of 23,000 hands which the firm were equipped for employing, only about 4,000 were at work. The management stated that everything they made or sold at the present time was sold at a loss. The only successful feature of the year's trade had been the sale of motor cycles. They had been able to sell the whole of their output from this department, but they had had to sell it at a loss as the market price for these articles was below the cost of production. They were compelled to accept the market price in order to retain their connection. In their opinion a reduction in selling price would increase sales, and markedly so in the case of bicycles. 9© Report of Joint Investigation Committee Firm No. 30.— This firm's pre-War employees numbered 3,700. During the War the number had increased to 6,600, but had fallen again to 3,700 by July, 1920. At present they employed only 2,200, and these were only working 30 hours per week, and had been doing so for the whole of this year. Their export business equalled 20 per cent, of their total output just before the outbreak of war, but at present they were unable to get any export business at all. Firm No. 31. — This firm is still fairly busy in some depart- ments as they are working off arrears of orders booked the previous year. In the heavy engineering department they are only receiving new orders at a rate equal to one-third of their present output. In their light engineering departments they are only working 32 hours per week, and have on hand a large stock of small motors and parts. Firm No. 32. — This firm is exceedingly slack, employing just over 2,000 people instead of 4,000, and of those employed all are on short time, some working two days, some three days, and some four days per week. Firm No. 33. — This firm's outlook in regard to new work is very bad, the average output for the year being over double the new orders, and that in spite of the fact that a number of their departments, especially those employed on the manufac - ture of their small apparatus, were undermanned to the extent of one-third. The normal number of employees was 5,000. At present they had 4,300, many of whom were on short time, and the work they had on hand was rapidly decfeasing. Welfare of Workers. Firm No. 22. — ^There are no welfare arrangements and no canteen. As the whole of the employees live quite near, it has not been thought necessary or desirable to introduce clubs or establish a canteen. Firm No. 23. — The firm organised a school which would comply with the continued education requirements of the Education Act, 191 8, and the apprentices attending this Working Hours 91 school have done exceedingly well. The firm have also done a good deal to assist the employees in the matter of sports organisation. Firm No. 24. — There is no Works Committee, but informal consultations with the shop stewards take place. Firm No. 25. — A Works Committee was established tlucc years ago, and met regularly until the recent negotiations and reduction of wages, since when, apparently on union instruc- tions, the committee has refused to meet. A well-equipped ambulance station with a nurse in constant attendance, an excellent canteen for female workers, with good washing and cloakroom accommodation, are provided. No cooking is done in the canteen, as most of the operatives bring their food to be warmed, but equipment is available should it become necessary at any time. Firm No. 26. — The canteens, cloakroom, education arrangements, scientific work, lavatory accommodation, and all other welfare arrangements were of a very high standard. All boys up to 16 years of age have to attend school for eight hours a week in the firm's time. Firm No. 27. — A very fine canteen is provided where a first-class meal is served at most reasonable prices. The firm bears the whole of the overhead charges in connection with the canteen, and any profit on the cost of the food and services goes to the workmen's benevolent fund. Firm No. 29. — An excellent canteen is provided. There is a welfare department in charge of a superintendent and a properly equipped surgery with a dental clinic, with a qualified dentist in attendance daily. The surgery is open day and night, Sundays included. No charge is made for the ordinary services, but dental services have to be paid for. Firm No. 30. — There is a canteen, a works school, and a savings bank in the works premises, managed by one of the leading banks. In the middle of last year the aggregate deposits were ^^i 1 1,000. Firm No. 31. — The firm has devoted great attention to all welfare matters. They have a pension fund held in trust, to 92 Report of Joint Investigation Committee which workmen contribute up to 4 per cent, of their wages, the firm paying an equal amount to each workman's contribution. A pension is payable after 60 years of age, and in the event of previous death, is payable to the widow or dependents. If a man leaves the firm his own contribution plus compound interest are returned to him, the firm's contribution remaining in the fund for the benefit of the remaining employees. A very fine sports ground has been laid out, and a splendid club-house and canteen combined has been erected by the firm at a cost of ^50,000. The club-house includes a theatre, capable of seating 1,000 people, billiard rooms, etc. The firm is of opinion that the older men appreciate the efforts in this direction, but they are doubtful about the general body. However, whatever might be thought, the management considered it was their duty to provide such facilities. Firm No. 32. — There is a Works Committee elected by ballot of the men in the shop. The Works Committee inciden- tally is responsible for the management of the football and cricket grounds provided by the firm. Firm No. 33. — The firm's ambulance, canteen and welfare accommodation generally is exceptionally good. (Signed) G. W. Barr. J. T. Brownlie. (Joint Chairman.) (Joint Chairman.) E. Bruce Ball. Robt. H. Coates. Walter Deakin. John E. Davison. M. A. McLean. J. Rowan. Geo. G. Parker. W. J. Wentvvorth. Representatives appointed hy Representatives appointed by the Engineering and National Unions'' Negotiating Co?n- Employers^ Federation ; Ship- tnittee. building Employers^ Federation. Frank Smith ] ^ . ^ TT /-, TTT y Joint secretaries. Herbert G. Williams 1 ^ July ^th, 1922. 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