The Times of Wednesday, apropos of a stru gg le between the
ironfounders and their men at Erith, has another strong article in favour of piecework, which is remarkable for this—that the- writer answers, and answers well, every argument against piece- work, except the one which really influences the Unions in condemn- ing it. They do not deny that better work and more work can be got out of men by piecework, but allege that piecework.sacrifices the men to the work, the animate to the inanimate. Wherever piecework is allowed, the few who are strong and clever will set a standard of work which average men can only maintain by using themselves up. The majority are placed under 'a conscription of hunger which urges them not only to do their best, but more of their best than they can safely do, and a whole trade suffers in comfort, in physique, and in that residuum of leisure which is essential to civilisation. We believe the argument is only partly correct, as it allows nothing for the increased capacity whichcomes of-severe- training ; but it is not, an ignoble argument, and at all events, ought to be fairly stated before the men, are condemned. We- see the bad effects in perfection among sempstresses who make shirts, collars, gloves, and the like, at so much a dozen.
Previous page
