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Revolution in Working Conditions

23rd April 1943, Page 13
23rd April 1943
Page 13
Page 14
Page 13, 23rd April 1943 — Revolution in Working Conditions
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THE war has brought numerous changes, and not least' amongst these, so far as many occupations and —factories are concerned, is the general improvement in working conditions. There are, of course, big complaints which cannot be overcome, Such as the early black-out in winter; as a matter of fact, the blaCk-out at any time is a nuisance when much tight work has to be undertaken in premises, because in so many cases ventilation is seriously affected, and in warm weather an excessive amount of heat is retained. There -have, fortunately, been developed ventilating systems which can be applied effectively without the emission of light, and in many instances where workshops have proved to be excessively hot, one or other of these have been employed with highly satisfactory results. In addition, working hours are necessarily far longer in most cases than Would be required in the per. formance of similar tasks during the days Of peace, • We are thinking more of the attitude to the worker, of better attention to his health and comfort, so far as these can be ensured. For example, in the matter of food, canteens have been provided in practically all works, from the largest down to those of quite moderate size. Although we are • aware that there have been numerous complaints • regarding the food and service obtainable in some of these, yet, on the average, the former is of good • qualitY and served in quantities which must notbe considered unfair.in view of the stringency of general rationing.

Fuller Appreciation of Workers Good workers have always been valuable, hilt not always fully appreciated, and we trust that the tendency which is now being displayed will continue in even fuller measure in the post-war years. The labourer is not only worthy of his hire, but is worthy of appreciation and those little attentions whiah count for so much.

Another move in the right direction is the attention which is being paid to cleanliness, both personal and so far as-buildings and machines are concerned. It is usually found that it is the clean man or woman who turns out a good product. Also, it is being realized to a greater extent that congestion of workers encourages neither efficiency nor accuracy. The legal requirements covering factories, etc., have undoubtedly resulted in steadily improving conditions, which, incidentally, have added greatly to safety.

A good deal of what we have already said regarding improvements applies to commercial motor road transport, but, perhaps, not so fully as to other industries, mainly for the reason that . transport operators have not been forced to add greatly to their facilities for maintenance and repair, and many of their premises are somewhat old. Even -thek, however, might well be modified, to afford better conditions, as soon as possible • after the war, and if they have to be rebuilt then the latest improvements could be embodied.

Where Changes. Are Needed Most of the works of the bigger manufacturers are comparatively modern, and will probably need little alteration. This is also true in connection with the producers of components and accessories, but certain smaller shops need attention in this respect.i Often it is the repair-shop man or woman who has to work under the worst conditions of dirt, ineffidient. protection and insufficient warmth. No doubt strch circumstances cannot always be' avoided to the full extent, but wherever better amenities can be afforded they certainly should be..

An innovation in many factories has been the workers' committees, which are intended to co-operate with the managements. In some instances stich committees have adopted the atti-. tude that they have been formed merely to ventilate grouses, sometimes jilst from individuals, and it has not been unknown for a committee to be inspired with the idea that it should have power almost, if not quite, equal to that of the factory administration. We do not suggest. that the opinions and advice put forward by committees should be treated as unimportant, but a management cannot effectively be divided, for if so its power, will be largely lost, if the process of relocating factories away from the more congested areas develops to any major extent, this alone should provide ample opportunities of making far better arrangements in the way of comfort and even entertainment. It is so often the high cost of land which has operated against the provision of those facilities which may take considerable space, as, for example, canteens, rest and recreation rooms, and accommodation for other forms of welfare. In addition, it would be easier to provide playing fields and health centres close to the works or, at least, within easy reach.

So far as the actual operation of road transport enters the picture, we have referred in previous articles to the need for promotingthe comfort of drivers, not only in respect of the actual vehicles which they control but en route and at the terminals. A driver should not We compelled to hang around, becoming chilled and disgruntled even before he takes the wheel, and each man Should have his own locker, in which he can keep those items which he may not need, or 'tvish to take.

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